Local Schoolchildren Get 120,000 Free Books

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- In an effort to promote reading, Miami organizations donated more than 120,000 books to local school children  at Miami-Dade College Monday.

The books arrived at the Student Life Plaza at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado joined local teachers who pre-registered to receive the free books to later distribute to students in their schools.

The donation is meant to promote children's education, particularly literacy, especially among low-income families through the Read To Learn Books For Free Program.

"All children need access to books to develop a love of reading and learning. But sadly, many low-income families have to choose between buying food or buying books," said United Teachers of Dade President Fedrick Ingram.

According to the mayor, the books mean so much more for the community.

"Books are an essential foundation for motivating children to explore, dream, and achieve their full potential," said Mayor Regalado.