200 books donated to preschools in honor of National Reading Month

ROANOKE, Va., March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications is helping local preschools celebrate National Reading Month and encourage a love of reading through a donation of nearly 200 books in partnership with Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke.

Recognizing the importance of reading to children, the Cox donation included one book for each 4-year old to take home and enjoy in addition to a book set for each center for the five preschools participating in the Virginia Star Quality Initiative. Cox employees in Roanoke delivered the books to the centers and served as guest readers before distributing the books.   

According to the U.S. Department of Education, children who are read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading. 

"Cox Communications is proud to partner with the local preschools during National Reading Month. We are committed to youth and education and this book donation allows us to engage the youngest learners with beautiful books they can enjoy and share at home with their families," said Vonya Alleyne, Cox Virginia vice president of human resources and Roanoke operations.

The donated books celebrate diversity and were selected for their multicultural focus based on a need for greater diversity in books at area preschool programs according to Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke. "Today we live in a multicultural community and it is important to expose children at the earliest age possible. Books are an excellent way to achieve this, encouraging inclusivity and tolerance," said Kris Meyers, Program Director for Smart Beginnings.

About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times, including the last seven years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke:
Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke (SBGR) is a collaborative of community leaders from businesses, school systems, nonprofits and private individuals who are working together to ensure that every child in Greater Roanoke enters kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. SBGR coordinates the Virginia Star Quality Initiative in the Roanoke Valley. More information is available at www.smartbeginningsroanoke.org.

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SOURCE Cox Communications