Four members of the African American Leadership Council stand in front of a wall with a Trident United Way logo on it. The four members are holding a book in their hands, smiling and facing the camera. In the foreground of the photo are stacks of books lined up on tablesNorth Charleston, SC – Trident United Way’s African American Leadership Council (AALC) marked their 8th Annual Book Drive benefitting Title I schools by delivering over 1,800 books to local elementary students at three Tri-County elementary schools. The books were given to K-3rd grade students at E.B. Ellington Elementary, Harleyville Elementary and St. Stephens Elementary in an effort to help prevent the “summer slide” and ensure students can continue on their path to literacy during summer break.  

“It's so important for students to continue reading throughout the summer so that they don’t fall behind and can be prepared for the new school year in August,” said AALC Chair Monifa Ellington. “The Trident United Way African American Leadership Council is a group of philanthropists who are passionate about making bold, positive change in the Tri-County in the areas of education, financial stability and health. We are so grateful for the community’s support in our 8th year leading this book drive and honored for the opportunity to provide reading materials to our local Title I schools.”

Books were collected through community donations via drop-off points at Trident United Way and Ingevity, and through an Amazon Wishlist.

Photos and Video of the book drive and deliveries are linked here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8blhru1u7n4q0zj67exxd/h?dl=0&rlkey=wutu93mqjta1tiz0nlkvzy1qa 

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About Trident United Way - Celebrating more than 77 years of service, Trident United Way is a catalyst for measurable community transformation in education, financial stability and health. In 2021 The Chronicle of Philanthropy once again voted United Way as America’s favorite charity.