US Coast Guard Academy Cadets distribute children's books to students at C.B. Jennings Elementary School in New London, Conn.

In November 2000, the U.S. Coast Guard formally named First Book as its signature charity. First Book is a national non-profit organization with one mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. First Book partners with community-based literacy programs by providing an ongoing supply of new books.

U. S. Coast Guard personnel and families stationed throughout the country support First Book by volunteering on Local Advisory Boards, hosting book parties for children, and storing and distributing books from their warehouse facilities nationwide. The Coast Guard is proud to be an ally for First Book in supporting the work of the “local heroes” who run existing community literacy programs.

Learn more about First Book at http://www.firstbook.org.