The resolution recognizes the Conway Kiwanis Bookcase for Every Child project for its significant contributions to enhancing literacy and student retention rates among preschool children enrolled in the federal Head Start program. Since its inception in 2005, the project has provided personalized oak bookcases, along with a starter set of gently used books, to over 1,000 children aged four and five. The initiative was founded by Jim Davidson, with key support from former Conway Police Chief Randall Aragon and other community members, and has evolved to include oversight by the Kiwanis Club of Conway.
The project aims to address the literacy gap faced by children from low-income families, where a significant percentage lack books at home. Each bookcase is personalized for the child and comes with additional gifts such as a stuffed animal "reading buddy" and a handcrafted bookmark. The resolution also highlights the collaboration with local businesses and organizations, including donations for bookcase construction and book supplies, emphasizing the community's commitment to fostering early literacy and educational success for children in need.