News

United Way of the Southern Tier & JC Penney sponsor youth book drive

July 21, 2026:

United Way of the Southern Tier and JC Penney at the Arnot Mall invite the community to donate new or gently used books for local children.

Reading with a young child is the single best way to set them up for a lifetime of learning. Putting books in the hands of children builds strong brains, expands language and literacy skills, and helps to develop focus.

Your donation of children’s books can be dropped off during normal store hours at JC Penney at the Arnot Mall in Big Flats.

The drive ends August 1.

United Way of the Southern Tier will distribute the donated books to local programs that support youth reading.

For more information on the drive, please call United Way at 607-936-3753 or email info@uwst.org.

For more information, please contact United Way Coordinator of Community Engagement Hope Howell by email or at 607-377-5836.