Community Rallies Around Reading: Follett Content Helps Unlock Stretch Goal for 'Books for Brighter Futures'
When United Way Rock River Valley launched the Books for Brighter Futures book drive, the goal was clear: collect 2,000 books for Rockford-area kids who need them most. Thanks to the generosity of one remarkable partner, that goal didn't just get met — it got blown wide open.
Follett Content, led by CEO Britten Follett, donated enough books to fulfill the original 2,000-book goal in a single contribution. The donation marked a turning point for the drive, prompting United Way Rock River Valley to raise the bar with a new stretch goal of 4,000 books.
Getting thousands of books from point A to point B takes more than goodwill — it takes logistics. A special thank you goes to Field and UWRRV Board Chair Casey Lester for coordinating transportation of the donation. Field's support is a great example of how local businesses show up for this community in ways that go well beyond a check.
Why It Matters
Books for Brighter Futures is more than a book drive. It's a direct investment in Winnebago County's future. The drive collects new and gently used books for children Pre-K through 3rd grade, supporting a free community book fair and helping Rockford Public Schools teachers put books in the hands of students who need them.
That work connects directly to UWRRV's Bold Goal: 75% of Winnebago County third-graders reading at grade level or above by 2034. Access to books at home is one of the most evidence-backed ways to build early literacy — and right now, too many families in our community don't have enough of them.
A Challenge to the Community
The Follett Content donation is a challenge to all of us: if one partner can get us to 2,000, imagine what the whole community can do together.
We're halfway to 4,000. You can help us reach our goal by donating new or gently used books!