Ferst Readers of Henry County expressed appreciation to its donors and supporters with a dinner hosted by Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough. About 65 donors and volunteers gathered in January to celebrate the milestone of distributing 250,000 books to Henry County preschoolers since 2005.

Those attending heard about the process of selecting the books, which are meant to encourage parents to read to their children, preparing them for kindergarten.

Kathy Pillatzki, director of the Henry County Library System, read aloud the book “The Thingity Jig.” She shared how humor and word sounds and illustrations help engage children in the story. Kerry Arnold, president of Heritage Bank, read the classic book Goodnight Moon. The audience joined in, reciting its familiar rhymes.

“We are so appreciative of our donors and sponsors for their partnership with Ferst Readers,” said Doris Griffin, chair of the local Ferst Community Action Team, who also expressed thanks to Jim Ellis Toyota for sponsoring the celebratory event.

Books were given as door prizes at the event, held at Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough.