Preschoolers at the Primrose School of Riverwoods in Helena helped provide books for local children in need during Read Across America Day on March 2.

The children collected 39 books for Dr. Robert Bashinsky of Greenvale Pediatrics in Alabaster, who accepted the books on behalf of Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit promoting early literacy.

Primrose School of Riverwoods owner Kimberly Wilson said she was happy to help promote literacy as part of early childhood education.

“Primrose’s philosophy and literacy goals directly align with Read Across America, and it was truly a great day for the community and the entire country to establish a regular reading routine, promote early childhood education and celebrate the power of literacy together,” Wilson said.

The book donation drive is a part of Og’s Bountiful Books, a Primrose reading program designed to encourage parents to read to their children at home and send books to school to share with their classmates and those in need.

Og is the official Primrose school bookworm – as well as the school’s character development mascot.