Fundraising effort supports Philadelphia School District

FELTONVILLE (WPVI) -- A non-profit group that supports the Philadelphia School District is launching an ambitious campaign.

It's not only trying to raise money for city schools, but also trying to help students improve their reading skills.

The goal of the "Right Books" campaign is to get the right books to kids at the right time.

Officials say part of that effort involves making sure every classroom has a library.

Tuesday morning's fundraising effort at Clara Barton Elementary School in Feltonville kicked off with a read-a-thon.

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Jim Kenney and Philadelphia Schools Superintendent Dr. William Hite were among dozens of VIPs taking part.

They pulled up a chair, picked up a book and started reading to students.

The fund for the School District of Philadelphia is trying to raise $3.5 million by 2017 to match $10.5 million investments from the William Penn Foundation and the Lenfest Foundation.

The dollars provide every kindergarten through third grade teacher with comprehensive literacy training. To have the maximum effect, they need the right books - and that's where these libraries come in.

It costs $5,000 to install a classroom library, and Tuesday morning's read-a-thon raised enough money for two classroom libraries.

The goal of the "Right Books" campaign, though, is to get a library for every K-3 classroom in the district.

Hite says teaching students to read at grade level by 8 years old prevents a whole host of problems that can come later. He says having the right books matters.

Organizers say Tuesday's fundraiser was just the first step. There's a long way to go to reach $3.5 million.

They say it's really going to take a community effort to raise the funds.