Lee County District Attorney and Tuscaloosa County District Attorney offices team up with Reach Out and Read-Alabama to beat illiteracy

In the spirit of Iron Bowl competition, the Lee and Tuscaloosa county district attorney’s offices “teamed up” with Reach Out and Read-Alabama (ROR-AL) to not only try to beat one another in the state's biggest rivalry, but to beat illiteracy, one book at a time! The two offices raised a total of $5,981!

While the Tuscaloosa County DA’s office won the competition, the real winners are the more than 26,000 children and families served by the two program sites in Lee County (Pediatric Associates of Auburn and Pediatric Clinic, LLC) and the five program sites in Tuscaloosa County (Alabama Multi Specialty Clinic, Bama Pediatrics, Crimson Pediatrics, The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences and West Alabama Pediatrics).

Each DA office hosted an online book drive from November 1 through November 26 to benefit these ROR-AL programs located in their respective counties. Donations made through the drives will purchase books that pediatricians will prescribe to families to support understanding of their children’s developmental milestones.

“Illiteracy is common among individuals in the criminal justice system. Investing in literacy efforts like Reach Out and Read-Alabama is an investment in our children, strong family bonds, and safer communities," said Jessica Ventiere, Lee County District Attorney. "We appreciate everyone, regardless of who they cheer for, who participated in the Iron Bowl Book Drive!”

"Thank you to everyone who contributed!  We believe that strong families build strong communities and that reading is essential to every child’s success," said Hays Webb, Tuscaloosa County District Attorney. "We are glad to compete for this wonderful cause, and we wish everyone a joyous holiday season. Roll Tide!"