Literacy Committee
Shelter Drives
Each year, thousands of children in Massachusetts are homeless for at least part of the year. The chaos in their lives puts them at a disadvantage for language and literacy, a problem that could have long-term ramifications. While "story nights" are comforting, they are unlikely to produce lasting results. What homeless children need is a great deal of extra conversation, reading, and writing. PEN New England's Shelter Drives initiative works to bring the tools of reading and literacy to various homeless facilities throughout the state. Our drives include donations of books, typewriters, markers and book-making materials, plus the time and attention of PEN volunteers who work with children to develop the necessary skills to help them excel in and out of the classroom despite their economic circumstances.
If you would like to participate in a future Shelter Drive, please contact us.