Paris school introduces free book vending machine to students

PARIS, Tenn. — Rhea Elementary School in Paris receives a state-of-the-art book vending machine, giving students a unique way to get books on the go.

“I got it from the book vending machine!” said first grader Willow Harrison.

The machine holds 177 books that are age-appropriate for students to choose from.

It is designed to encourage and reward students for reading by allowing them to select books of their choice free of charge.

“It’s a pug with a unicorn,” second grader Rhemi Morgan said.

This was made possible because of a fundraiser through SchoolStore.

SchoolStore is an online shopping mall with over 400 nationally-known merchants including Sears, Target, Office Depot, and many more, where family and friends can make everyday purchases through SchoolStore.com and the school earns money.

The fundraiser was started three years ago by a former PTO president.

The fundraiser was presented to the school principal, and Rhea Elementary jumped on board.

“Participation has increased and we got over 40% of our school involved with it, which put us in for a drawing, and we won the drawing,” said Principal Chris Hudgins.

This vending experience, or rather, reading experience, highlights the importance of promoting literacy and education in the community, as well as demonstrating how local organizations can make a positive difference in schools and in students’ lives.

“Any time you can get books into kids hands, it’s great,” Principal Hudgins added.

Children who read for only five minutes a day take in more than 200,000 new words per year.

For more local news, click here.