The City of Walker is announcing an initiative led by Mayor Gary Carey to support early literacy.
The Mayor's 3rd Grade Reading Initiative will provide backpacks and books to students entering 3rd grade this fall at Zinser and Central Elementary schools. The initiative is supported through the Community Engagement Committee.
Each backpack is filled with age-appropriate books and school supplies that were donated by AT&T and DTE Energy.
The backpacks will be distributed to students on Friday.
"When I was their age, I was passionate about reading," Carey said. "Sometimes, all a child needs are the right tools and a little support to gain confidence. That's what this program is all about - helping our kids get off to a strong start."