Support Maui’s Kids: Donate to Barnes & Noble’s Holiday Book Drive for MEO Head Start

Barnes & Noble Kahului is hosting a Holiday Book Drive to benefit MEO Head Start. The public can purchase books to donate to preschoolers until December 12.

MEO Head Start operates nine sites, serving around 180 children, primarily from low-income families. The program offers free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, alleviating the financial burden of traditional preschool costs.

MEO focuses on supporting both children and their families. They help build parenting skills and strengthen family bonds while providing essential resources. In previous drives, MEO received up to 1,000 books, greatly benefiting the children.

Debbie Cabebe, MEO CEO, expressed gratitude for the support from Barnes & Noble. She highlighted the importance of reading for children’s futures, stating that stories inspire imagination and success.

What role does early literacy play⁢ in ‍childhood development according to MEO ⁣Head Start? ⁤

Interview with ‍Debbie Cabebe, CEO of MEO Head Start

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining‍ us today, Debbie. Can you tell⁣ us about​ the ⁢Holiday ⁣Book Drive being hosted by ‌Barnes & Noble Kahului and how it impacts MEO Head Start?

Debbie Cabebe: Thank you⁣ for having me. The Holiday Book Drive is‍ a wonderful initiative where the public​ can purchase books to donate ‍to preschoolers until December 12. This effort significantly helps the⁤ children we serve, primarily ​from low-income families. ‌MEO Head‍ Start operates‍ nine sites, supporting around 180 children by providing free preschool education for 3- ​and 4-year-olds.

News Directory 3: That’s impressive! How do you think these book⁤ donations will benefit the children in your program?

Debbie ⁢Cabebe: ⁣ Books are essential for early childhood development. They inspire imagination, creativity, and ‌a love for learning. Previous book drives⁣ have been⁣ incredibly successful—last time, ‌we received up to⁤ 1,000 books, ‍which enriched our libraries⁣ and gave children access ‍to a variety ⁤of⁢ stories. Reading not only⁢ supports literacy but also fosters family bonding during shared reading times.

News⁢ Directory 3: What types of books are most‌ suitable for donation, and how can⁣ community members participate?

Debbie Cabebe: We’re looking for age-appropriate books, specifically ‌board books and picture books. Community members can participate‌ by simply informing the cashier at Barnes⁤ & Noble⁤ that they are buying a book for the drive. It’s vital that only books purchased at Barnes ‌& ⁢Noble ​Kahului are accepted as donations. This creates a direct link between the ‍store and⁤ our program.

News Directory ‌3: MEO Head Start has a long history. Can you share ⁣a bit about its impact over the years?

Debbie Cabebe: Absolutely. MEO Head Start is one of ⁤the foundational ⁣programs established by MEO, now 59 years ago. Over the decades, we’ve evolved to ‍focus not just on⁣ education but ⁤also on supporting families. Our programs build parenting skills, enhance family bonds, ‌and ​provide essential resources to ensure children⁣ and their families thrive.

News Directory ​3: ​ Why do you believe⁢ partnerships, like ⁣the ‌one ​with Barnes & Noble, are vital for your⁢ organization?

Debbie Cabebe: ‍ Partnerships are incredibly important. They‌ help us connect with⁣ the⁤ community and⁣ mobilize resources for our⁤ children. The support from Barnes & Noble means that ‍we can provide our⁢ children ⁢with the tools they need to succeed. ​We⁢ are deeply grateful for their commitment and​ generosity.

News Directory 3: Thank you, Debbie. Is there anything‍ else‌ you would⁣ like to share with our readers?

Debbie Cabebe: I ⁤encourage everyone to⁢ participate in the book drive. Not only⁢ will you be⁢ helping to foster a love ‌of reading among preschoolers, but ⁤you will also be ‌contributing ‍to their future successes. ⁤For more information about MEO Head Start, feel free to call⁤ us at 808-249-2988. Thank you!

News ‌Directory 3: Thank ‍you for your time,⁤ Debbie. We appreciate the work you do for the ⁤community and wish you a successful ⁢book drive!

To donate, inform the cashier that you are buying a book for the drive. Age-appropriate donations include board books and picture books. Only books purchased at Barnes & Noble Kahului will be accepted.

MEO Head Start is one of the original programs created by MEO 59 years ago. For more information, you can call 808-249-2988.