Isabella Bank Partners with Sleepy Dog Books Foundation to Launch Back-to-School Literacy Initiative
Isabella Bank and Sleepy Dog Books Foundation are joining forces to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading through a new community initiative launching this back-to-school season. Together, the organizations will bring a mobile book trailer, provided by Sleepy Dog Books Foundation and sponsored by Isabella Bank, to four elementary schools across the Bank’s footprint during August and September.
The traveling book trailer, stocked with a curated collection of today’s most popular and age-appropriate children’s titles, will give every student at each participating school the opportunity to select a free book to take home and keep. The initiative aims to promote equitable access to books, encourage reading outside of the classroom, and support academic readiness at the start of the school year.
“Access to books at an early age plays a vital role in a child’s education journey,” stated Lori Peterson, Vice President and Director of Marketing at Isabella Bank. “We’re proud to partner with Sleepy Dog Books Foundation to ensure students start the school year with resources that inspire imagination, strengthen literacy skills, and set them on a path toward lifelong learning.”
The mobile book trailer will visit the following schools:
- Lincoln Heights Elementary School, Greenville, MI
- Mary McGuire Elementary School, Mt. Pleasant, MI
- Breckenridge Elementary School, Breckenridge, MI
- Stone Elementary School, Saginaw, MI
By bringing books directly to students, the program supports both immediate academic success and long-term development through reading. It also reflects Isabella Bank’s commitment to community investment, educational enrichment, and youth development.
“Reading opens doors, not just to knowledge, but to confidence and opportunity,” stated Dr. Riley Justis, Co-Executive Director and Board Treasurer of Sleepy Dogs Books Foundation. “We are thrilled to work with Isabella Bank to share these books and help spark a passion for reading in students across the region.”
Both organizations hope to make this an annual back-to-school tradition and expand the initiative to reach new schools and students in the years ahead.
About Isabella Bank
Isabella Bank, a state-chartered community bank headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, is a subsidiary of Isabella Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: ISBA). Isabella Bank was established in 1903 and has been committed to serving the local banking needs of its customers and communities for more than 120 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust, and estate planning services through Isabella Wealth. The Bank has 31 locations throughout eight mid-Michigan counties: Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw. For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Investor Relations link at www.isabellabank.com.
About Sleepy Dog Books Foundation
Sleepy Dog Books Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering a love for reading and promoting financial literacy among children in the community. They are committed to providing access to quality literature and striving to create opportunities for everyone to discover the joy of reading and unlock their full potential. For more information about the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation, please visit https://www.sleepydogbooks.com/sdbfoundation.html#/.
