Littleton Boy Scout Builds and Delivers Bookshelves to Jefferson County Public Health

In pursuit of his Eagle Scout rank, Boy Scout Peter Montano from Troop 47 of Littleton, CO has chosen to assist the Reach Out and Read Colorado program by leading a book drive, creating a prototype bookshelf, and constructing these bookshelves with his troop, family members and friends. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is proud to have been selected to house two beautifully handcrafted bookshelves with over 2,000 books collected at a book drive led by Peter, in the Department’s Reach Out and Read waiting room for children. The shelves took six hours to build, including applying a stain.

Peter chose Reach Out and Read because of his love for reading and desire to help and encourage children to enjoy reading as much as he does. “I actually benefited from Reach Out and Read as a young boy when I received a book at one of my doctor’s appointments at Denver Health Clinic,” remembers Peter. “My parents tell me stories of how much I loved to read, even as a baby and toddler. I would ask them to read the same books over and over again!”

JCPH has been a participant in the Reach Out and Read program since 2009. While the Department has received book donations in the past, this is the largest number of books donated by a community member and the first time bookshelves have been donated. Christine Schmidt, Community Health Services Manager at JCPH, added, “We are most appreciative to Peter and his family, and all of his helpers for their wonderful contribution to promoting early literacy in this way for the children of Jefferson County.”

For more information or to find out how to get involved, visit the Reach Out and Read Colorado website.