KREM2 News is partnering with Franz bakery and various non-profits and community centers to give away a sweet snack and a new books to children on Wednesdays in October (7th, 14th, 21st & 28th). The drive through distribution will be from 3-5pm on the above days. So mark your calendars and tell the kids, because Fall just got a lot better!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Sweet Reads? A good book and an afternoon snack are important elements of childhood. Especially now, reading provides a positive and healthy outlet as kids struggle for safe activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. KREM 2 wanted to promote the importance of childhood literacy and provide families with a no-cost way to participate. Franz offered to provide some of its most popular (and delicious!) snacks and ‘Sweet Reads’ became a reality. Each Wednesday in October, KREM 2, Franz, and Communities in Schools will be giving out free books and snacks at area distribution points.
Dates & Locations: All distribution is in the parking lots of venue
October 7, 3pm-5pm, Life Center Parking Lot: 1202 W. Government Way, Spokane, WA
October October 14th – HUB: 19619 E Cataldo Ave, Liberty Lake, WA
October 21st , Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena Parking Lot: 720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA
October 28th, Spokane Fair and Expo Center Parking Lot: 404 N Havana Street, Spokane, WA
Who can get a book? The books will be for Kindgergarten - 12th grade kids. We will ask families to identify the ages of the child in their family and we will provide a book and snack for each child. We are asking families to request one book for each child in the family as we will have a limited amount each week. There are no requirements or identification needed.
How did you pick the books? The book selection was picked by Scholastic and reviewed by local education/literacy specialists. That said, we encourage each parent to make sure the book is age appropriate for their child.
How will you safely distribute the books? COVID is definitely making distribution a challenge but we are putting safety measures in place to provide a low-contact experience for families. We will have a drive-up distribution at various locations. We are asking that people not get out of their car but allow our volunteers to bring the books and snacks to the car. We also ask that people pull up wearing a mask and our volunteers will be required to wear a mask as well. We are working with our location venues to provide a pleasant drive-through experience. We don’t know how long each distribution will take place but we ask your patience as we safely deliver books to each family.
Where do I go to get a book? We are encouraging families to pick one distribution that works best for them. We have a limited number of books and would like to treat as many kids as possible to a new book and snack. We have four dates & locations and invite you to attend the one closest to your neighborhood.
Is ‘Sweet Reads’ free to families”? YES. There is no cost for the books or the snack for families. Franz is donating the snacks and KREM 2 and the TEGNA Foundation have purchased the books. Communities in Schools is providing project support and local volunteers will help with distribution.
Do I need to make a reservation or arrangements? No. Books will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will start handing out books at 3pm and close at 5pm (or until we run out of books). We estimate each distribution will have approximately 300 books plus snacks. We apologize in advance if we run out of books at your distribution.