These vending machines have nothing to do with fast food

By Kate Hassett

Image: JetBlue’s Soar with Reading Pilot Program Launch
Image: JetBlue’s Soar with Reading Pilot Program Launch
One company is giving kids so much more than just free books.

Vending machines, are a source of ‘food’, terrible coffee and often, frustration – but one company is looking to change the vending machine for good.

As part of the Soar With Reading program, JetBlue – an American airline company, is aiming to provide free access to books for all children aged 14 and younger.

The initiative works like a touring library, but instead of having to return the books, the children can take home as many as they like, for as long as they wish to own them.

The initial role out of the project has seen three vending machines placed in different locations around the Anacostia area of Washington DC. They are set up in easily accessible areas, like a Salvation Army community centre, a grocery store and a church – and offer the free service to any child or family that want to take part.

The initiative was sparked after a JetBlue lead study discovered, in DC alone, for every 830 children there was only one child-friendly book available – a statistic Soar With Reading is hoping to change.

They are hoping they will be able to reach a donation level of 100,000 brand new books for  children in need.

Photo: Soar With Reading

 

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