Five hundred thousand is a pretty hefty number, especially when it signifies a landmark donation by a grassroots program advocating childhood reading.

It's a mark Lehigh Valley Cops 'n' Kids Reading Room made in November, giving away its half-millionth free book to children at Sheridan ES in Allentown. It's a remarkable milestone for this local branch of the nonprofit which, under the direction of retired teacher Beverly Bradley, had an original goal of only 1,000 books.

The feat is a testament to community solidarity, Bradley said. "The community involvement means everything. No person does 500,000 books by themselves. This is connecting kids with the community – a community that is a vital part of the kids' lives."

Those connections start with volunteerism, Bradley said, and continue through scores of local schools, organizations and companies.

Bradley said the organization easily has more than 90 community partners that help not only to collect and distribute books, but to promote numerous events throughout the year. The Fowler Family Southside Center Reading Room is the most evident beneficiary of that assistance, with frequent activities and guest speakers and authors.

The outpouring of support is a fundamental aspect of people's understanding of the Cops 'n' Kids goal, Bradley said. "It's magic. I think if's just everyone knows it matters. I think everyone just gets this."

Lorraine Lease, a retired teacher and one of many Moravian Village residents who volunteer at the Reading Room, said she enjoys being able to get out and spend time with youngsters. "It's fun to come here and have fun with the little ones. They can't get rid of me."

Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy said in an email, "The Cops 'n' Kids program puts books into the hands of thousands of young readers in our district and beyond. Since the number one key to future academic success is strong reading skills, Cops 'n' Kids plays a critical role in building excitement about reading, and then providing the books for children to read.

"Bev's message is always positive - always focused on the kids and always supportive of reading!"

Christ Sexton, Reading Room coordinator, said the events are designed to be enriching and helpful to parents. And, of course, free. "This program brings out the best in everybody," she said.

Bethlehem resident Kelly Stewart, who visited the Reading Room with her young daughters, said she recognizes that books in the home equals success for the kids, and that she finds books a perfect distraction for the children while she makes dinner. "The more we have the better off we'll be," she said.

The seventh annual celebration of the Reading Room will be a grand community event held April 20, and Bradley encourages everyone to attend, saying, "Come together that day and let the kids know we love them."

The Cops 'n' Kids Reading Room offers free books to parents visiting with the children and is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays. Register for free events by calling 610-861-5526, and get additional information at the webstite at www.copsnkidslv.org.