Christmas may still be days away, but several in the community have already shared a very precious gift to area children — the joy of reading. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

About 50 local residents were gracious enough to share their time with Byrd First Class Early Class Learning Center to read some of its students favorite books, which were provided by the Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental program.

I could not help but smile as I watched the children rush to the storytellers in groups and gather around to hear their most beloved books. Many students were grinning from ear to ear as the volunteers reintroduced them to the adventures within the books they heard their teachers read to them beforehand.

With 40 percent of U.S. fourth graders not achieving basic levels of reading proficiency and the number being higher among low-income families, something as simple as a day of reading can make a huge difference.

Not only did it remind the children of significance and excitement of reading and expose them to language that can make them better readers, but it also taught parents about the importance of their role in the fight against illiteracy.

Last week, Byrd principal Carolyn Keasal spoke about how vital it is that parents take the time to read to their children on a regular basis.

Kids may get so enthused about a story that they want to hear it multiple times, and rereading the same book gives the child multiple chances to learn key words that are instrumental to their growth in literacy.

Even if you do not have a child and cannot find the time to read to the students, you should make an effort to donate to the RIF program. The group heavily depends on the public to fund its effort to supply quality, age-appropriate books to at-risk young children.

Keasal said it costs about $3,000 to support RIF at Byrd, which has 259 students.

Like Keasal, I have high hopes that the community will provide financial support.

Jean Dean RIF is the largest RIF project in the nation, providing books for more than 373,000 preschoolers. In the last 20 years, it has supplied well over 1 million quality, age-appropriate books, according to the group’s website. Clearly, the donations will be put to good use.

Whether you volunteer to read to the students, read to your own children, donate to a cause driven to provide material to the youth or just bring awareness to the issue at hand, the Selma community can contribute to reduce high illiteracy rates. Our children deserve the chance to blossom, and reading is the key to success.

For more information about how to donate to the Jean Dean RIF, call Keasal at (334) 874-1620.