Gloria Román, Principal of Ana Roqué de DuPrey Elementary, came to Reason to Give because the school desperately needs help in order to expand their underfunded but vital library.

DuPrey Elementary is a small school within the Von Humboldt campus which has been operating in the area for twenty years. The staff prides itself on providing individual attention and creating a family-like atmosphere. The focus of the reading program is to promote independent reading skills amongst the students. While the students are making great strides, it is difficult for them because of the lack of books in the school's library. Librarian and Lead Literacy Teacher Anita Warner took on the task of transforming and expanding the school's almost non-existent library a year ago. Now, she would like to at least double the library's 3,000 book collection. In order to do this, the school needs to raise $5,000, which will be matched by a grant from the Department of Libraries. This would allow the library to purchase thousands of new books for the students to read.

In addition to donations, DuPrey also needs volunteers for their one-on-one reading program and volunteers to help in the library. Reading program volunteers are needed to listen and provide assistance to students while they read before, during or after school. Volunteers in the library are needed to shelve and catalog books. The books are cataloged by reading level in order to be integrated into the school's online reading test system. Both volunteer positions are vital for the students' development.

The students and staff of Duprey Elementary greatly appreciate any help you can give. If you have new or gently used books you would like to donate, or if you are interested in volunteering at the school, contact Shannon Medic at shannon@firebellyfoundation.org.