CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 12, 2024 – Classroom Central’s annual book distribution event returned on December 11 and will continue on December 12, 17, and 19. This highly anticipated event, sponsored this year by The Hornets Holiday Cheer for Teachers Presented by Bank of America, will provide 150 teachers each day of the event with 75 free books each, benefiting a total of 600 teachers and providing an estimated 45,000 books to students K-12 in just four days. Eligible educators with a shopping appointment during the event will select books for their students, empowering them to improve their literacy skills over the winter holidays and spark a love for reading and learning. Why It Matters Literacy is the foundation of student success, but research shows a critical challenge: students who aren’t reading at grade level by third grade start falling behind at twice the rate of their peers. (Source) This turning point is where kids shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” making strong reading skills essential for keeping up in school. For students living in poverty—who often have one or fewer books at home—this can create a significant hurdle. Classroom Central helps bridge this gap by providing access to age-appropriate books, giving students the chance to practice and improve their reading skills, as well as develop a life-long love of reading, which fosters an overall dedication to education. By ensuring every child has the tools they need to succeed, Classroom Central is making a real difference during this important time in their education and for years to come. A Holiday Gift That Lasts a Lifetime Scheduled strategically in December, the book distribution event not only works to combat learning loss during the winter holidays but also allows teachers to provide students with books that might otherwise be out of reach. For many students, these books could be their only gifts during the holiday season, making the event even more meaningful. “Literacy opens doors to endless opportunities,” said Tanisha Poole, Classroom Central Director of Programs. “Through our annual book distribution event, we’re not just giving books—we’re helping teachers change lives and ensuring that students across our community can continue to grow, learn, and dream.”   Making It Possible This year’s event is made possible through the Hornets Holiday Cheer for Teachers presented by Bank of America, a cornerstone event within the team’s 2024-25 Season of Giving initiative designed to uplift and celebrate educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation of leaders. In addition to sponsoring the book distribution event, their support of Classroom Central kicked off on Friday, December 6. The Charlotte Hornets and Bank of America treated 17 educators to an unforgettable day, including shopping at Classroom Central’s Free Store, where they could receive up to $1,500 in school supplies for their students, followed by a trip to Walmart, here they each received $500 to spend during a second shopping adventure alongside the full Hornets roster.