First Book

First Book is a national nonprofit organization that gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Since its inception, First Book has provided nearly 33 million books to children in more than 1,300 communities across the country.

With financial support from matching-fund and incentive programs, First Book works with existing literacy programs at Head Start centers, preschool and after school programs, and Title 1 schools to provide one free book per month to each child enrolled in the program. Alpha Xi Delta select's a program to receive books, and raises funds to support the program’s book purchases. First Book has matching fund and incentive programs that increase the amount of money from which books are purchased. Books are chosen from publishers’ catalogs by the program administrators who work with the children, they are incorporated into program lessons, then they are given to the children to take home and keep.

Alpha Xi Delta's interest in children and their special needs led us to adopt First Book. Unlike many other Greek organizations, Alpha Xi Delta is not exclusively linked with one philanthropic organization. Alpha Xi Delta gives members the flexibility to look in their communities and decide how they can best benefit children. For some chapters it's sponsoring a football tournament to raise money for a local organization; for others it's spending time tutoring children at an after-school program. Some chapters choose to work with children at a battered women's shelter, while others entertain patients in the pediatric wing of a hospital. No matter what activity a chapter, association or individual chooses, the impact that Alpha Xi Deltas have on children in their communities is unmatched. And the impact children have on Alpha Xi Deltas everywhere is immense!

Our Promise to Children

In 1998 Alpha Xi Delta joined in supporting the goal of America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth by promising to give more than 75,000 hours and $250,000 yearly in contributions and donated goods to children. Alpha Xi Delta chapters, associations and individual members have met or exceeded our promise every year.

Learn more about First Book visit www.firstbook.org.