DALLAS, TX – Joe V’s Smart Shop donated a book vending machine this week to Dallas Independent School District’s McNair Elementary School. The vending machine is stocked with 500 free books for elementary-age learners. This donation, in partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation, comes just in time for students to select a book of their choice to enjoy during the summer.
“Fostering a love of literacy is essential in guiding our students from learning to read to reading to learn. We are grateful to Joe V’s Smart Shop for their investment in our children. With their support, students at McNair have a creative way to build their home libraries and cultivate their passion for reading,” said Dr. Tanya Shelton, Associate Superintendent Region IV, Dallas ISD.
This donation is part of a new Joe V’s initiative where a book vending machine will be gifted to a local school in honor of each Joe V’s Smart Shop grand opening in the Dallas area. The first Joe V’s Smart Shop in Dallas, located at 4101 W. Wheatland Rd., is slated to open on Wednesday, June 12.
“Reading to children early and often provides so many benefits and results in a child better prepared for school,” said Christa Aldrich, H-E-B Public Affairs, Education Initiatives. “We are dedicated to supporting literacy by providing easy and affordable access to books and by placing books in the hands of children through programs like the Joe V’s Book Vending Machine.”
According to the US Department of Education, children who were read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading. The book vending machine is an excellent tool aimed at closing the reading gap. Students at McNair Elementary will have an opportunity to select a free book of their choice. Joe V’s will regularly re-stock the book vending machine.
“A book vending machine not only advances literacy on campus, it creates excitement around reading and enhances the culture. We are grateful to Joe V’s Smart Shop for their partnership in providing engaging books to the students at McNair Elementary,” said Mita Havlick, Executive Director, Dallas Education Foundation.
About Joe V’s
Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B is an innovative price format that delivers a uniquely curated assortment of community-focused products, and the high-quality, fresh products H-E-B is known for at even lower prices. Joe V’s Smart Shop is committed to delivering the lowest prices in the marketplace with the highest quality fresh products for its customers, also fondly known as Smart Shoppers.
About Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving post-secondary success, and catalyzing our educators. To learn more, go to https://dallasedfound.org and follow us @dallasedfound on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Dallas ISD
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its 140,000 students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
