04/12/2026
Star City Middle School Students Collect for Book Drive
During National Reading Month, Star City Middle School Students got involved in promoting literacy in our area by helping the local Toys for Tots Literacy Program collect books for their Annual Spring Book Drive. All the students were smiling as they carried the books out of the school and packed the Toys for Tots car. Star City Middle School Educator Krista Cotton, who helped encourage the students, indicated she was thrilled to assist with this program as “it is very important for youth to have access to books in order to improve their imagination and literacy.” Altogether, they collected 228 books for the local Toys for Tots Literacy Program covering Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties.
“I’m extremely impressed with their efforts,” indicated Toys for Tots Coordinator Matthew Yarnell. “With their contribution, we’ve been able to collect approximately 1,300 books for our Spring Literacy Campaign so far. These books that they collected are earmarked for our local libraries and will enhance our Summer Reading Programs. Through their efforts, these students have exemplified the primary motto of United States Marine Corps Reserve Youth Ambassador Program “children helping children” – those that have gone above and beyond in their communities to help those less fortunate than themselves, while also engaging community members on behalf of Toys for Tots. And I, as a US Navy Veteran and as a Civilian Coordinator for the USMCR Toys for Tots Program, salute them and say, thank you.”
Through your support of our Toys for Tots Literacy Program, children receive age-appropriate books and learning materials that help build confidence, expand knowledge, and open doors to endless possibilities. A book isn’t just a gift. It’s a doorway to dreams being fulfilled! “And while a primary focus of the program is aimed toward economically disadvantaged and/or at-risk youth,” Yarnell stated, “I personally consider all youth at-risk when dealing with the topic of literacy, especially since educational difficulties such as dyslexia impact youth of all economic levels. Therefore, I encourage youth, 0-18, to be involved in the reading programs through their local libraries this summer. Those who participate will have the opportunity to choose a free book. Then, by opening the pages of that tome, they will be able to go on a grand adventure.”
Join us in supporting literacy and learning. We are currently seeking reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, and Christian fiction and non-fiction for all ages, 0-18. Books in a new condition can be dropped off at area libraries, the Cleveland County Hearld Office, Rison Pharmacy, Star City Hardware, JB Speedy Burger, Fordyce O’Rielly’s Auto Parts, Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, Ephesus Bookstore, McFarland Eye Care, Cable Lynx, and Oliver Furniture. Of course, we also accept toys, games, puzzles, and other meaningful donations. You can also donate online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please share your love of reading with the youth of our area, and help lay the tracks for our future by boarding the Toys for Tots train today.
