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Book Bags for Kids 2010Imagine a life with books: give a child the gift of reading
Book Bags for Kids is an initiative that puts books in the hands of the children who may have limited books in their homes. The philosophy behind the program is that literacy begins in the home and the community. Learning to read is the single most important skill that opens the door to further learning. As such, this program provides Calgary Board of Education students with increased opportunities to access quality reading materials and enriched literacy experiences. It also engages families in reading activities. Volunteers prepare the bags for delivery and then deliver the book bags to children in our schools before the holiday season. Schools work together to ensure that the Book Bags reach those students who would benefit the most from this gift of reading. “These gifts help lead children into the world of lifelong learning and reading,” says CBE Board Chair, Pat Cochrane. “The smiling faces of children who receive bags of books clearly and emphatically show the worth of the Book Bags for Kids program.” Presenting sponsors of the Book Bags for Kids 2010 include:
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Unfortunately, not all students have access to books outside of school. The Calgary Board of Education is pleased to join with a group of corporate partners to give these children the gift of reading. 
Through the Book Bags for Kids program partners work together to raise funds for the purchase of new quality books that have been selected and approved through our library resource centre. This year’s book list is a collection of fiction and non-fiction titles. In addition school libraries received multiple Playaway audio books for all students to enjoy.
Book Bags for Kids 2010 officially launched on November 10 and ran through until the winter holiday break. Enthusiastic leadership students from William Aberhart High School and our corporate and community partners worked together to fill the colourful bags with books, mitts/hats, socks, stuffed animals and other items to make the Book Bags extra special. Over 100 volunteers were involved in either the launch, delivery of the Book Bags to the schools and students or the collection of stuffed animals at the Teddy Bear Toss game on December 12th 2010.
This year, over 1100 children enthusiastically received Book Bags through the generosity of our partners and individual citizens. This will be the tenth year of the Book Bags for Kids program. 
Supporting partners include 
The program also receives generous support from: