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SHORT the Squirrel, Alabama’s beloved literacy mascot, is making a significant impact in 2024, proudly announcing the delivery of over 30,000 books so far this year. This achievement marks a major step forward in SHORT’s mission to promote literacy and inspire a lifelong love of reading among the region’s youngest residents. This milestone was made possible largely through a remarkable contribution from Alabama Media Group, which donated more than 22,000 books to the nonprofit organization earlier this year.
Alongside the books delivered through this generous donation, SHORT has distributed over 10,000 copies of its interactive SHORT’s Feelings activity booklet across all 67 counties in Alabama. This mental health-focused resource, developed with support from the Alabama chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Alabama Department of Mental Health, helps children explore and express their emotions, while offering conversation starters for adults to engage with children about their feelings. The booklet’s distribution was made possible through a partnership with the Children’s Policy Council (CPC), a network of community representatives and agencies dedicated to serving children at the county level.
“We are incredibly grateful to our amazing partners like Alabama Media Group for their generosity, which has allowed us to expand our reach and place thousands of books into the hands of children who need them most,” said Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett and Monica Anderson Young, co-founders of SHORT the Squirrel. “Through partnerships like this and with organizations like the Children’s Policy Council, we’re able to create and distribute content that helps children in our state thrive.”
Designed to help young children better understand and articulate their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and mental health awareness from an early age, SHORT’s Feelings is an example of the type of literacy-rich content SHORT works to create alongside strategic community partners. These partnerships make it possible to reach children where they are with entertaining and educational content, regardless of background or location.
“We are proud to partner with SHORT the Squirrel to distribute these vital mental health resources to families across the state,” said Liletta Jenkins, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. “Together, we are ensuring that children not only have access to entertaining and interactive reading materials but also the resources to understand and manage their feelings in a healthy way.”
As SHORT the Squirrel continues its journey of promoting literacy, the organization remains committed to fostering partnerships and creating innovative resources that enhance the lives of children across Alabama and beyond.
For more information on how to get involved or to request books and resources, visit here.
