If you have not been inspired lately, let me tell you the story of Alferd Williams.

Williams was the son of sharecroppers. He had a simple and uncomplicated dream- he wanted to learn to read. That is how the then 70-year-old came to enroll in Alesia Hamilton’s first grade class at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph.

With help from Aleisa, Alferd learned to read. And in the process he inspired a movement to do more to combat illiteracy. The Toys for Tots Literacy program was started with the goal of providing the nation’s least fortunate children with books and educational material.

Nationwide over 33 percent of fourth graders cannot read according to the 2007 annual Reading Report. There is an economic cost to taxpayers, but more importantly there is a cost to that individual. When a child does not learn to read, they lose out on a world of opportunity.

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program established a new award to recognize individuals who are dedicated to improving literacy rates in the country. The first “Alferd Williams Literacy Award” was presented to Alferd and Alesia on Wednesday at a school wide assembly. It also included a donation of over 300 new books to the Edison Elementary School library- enough for each student to have at least one new book to read.

I have introduced a resolution to commend the Toys for Tots Literacy Program for their commitment to promoting children’s literacy. I also want to congratulate Alferd and Alesia on their award and thank them for inspiring us all.

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