Ferst Readers of Henry County is celebrating its new name with a fresh logo and the gift of onesies to newborns enrolling in the program. “We have been active in Henry County since 2005 as the Ferst Foundation,” says Doris Griffin, chair of the Henry County Community Action Team.

The multi-state organization was founded in 1999 to promote early childhood literacy by giving books to preschoolers. In Georgia, 68 counties have a Ferst chapter. “The new name Ferst Readers should more clearly communicate our mission of providing age-appropriate books to children from infancy to age 5,” she explains. “Our goal is for children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Having books available for parents to read to their children will lay a strong foundation for their school years.”

The Ferst organization was created to address the problem of some homes not having any books at hand for small children. Enrolled children receive one book a month mailed to their home. The cost per child is about $36 per year raised through donations.

In recognition of November as National Family Literacy Month, 58 newborns who enrolled in the program at Piedmont Henry Medical Center received a onesie with the new Ferst Readers logo. “We hope that seeing our logo will raise awareness of our organization and its good work,” Mrs. Griffin says, adding that many volunteers give their time to do fund-raising and promote childhood literacy.

For more information, visit Ferst Readers of Henry County on Facebook and at henry ferst.org.