This week the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in Owatonna distributed 18,275 books to area school and agencies. The value of these books totals $219,300 which were given to 41 parties. The book giveaway is done in partnership with ABDO Publishing and Capstone. To date the parties have distributed over 100,000 books throughout the foundations 20 county region.

The books donated include bilingual and early childhood appropriate books. Studies over the years have show that reading at a young age very much improves a child's educational trajectory.

Recipients of books in our area include:

Blooming Prairie Public Schools

Faribault Public Schools

Freeborn County Public Health

Kasson-Mantorville Schools

NRHEG Schools

Triton Public Schools

Waseca County Public Health

Waseca Public Schools.

If you know a young adult pondering a career. The Owatonna Work Force Center can help. Read more here.

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