books and accessibility

i recently read a post on friend of a friend's blog that said, "61% of low income families have no children's books" and i was absolutely stunned.  i can not get that statisitc out of my head.  this stat comes from beverly todd of the midlands literacy center in omaha.  i volunteered with the literacy center about 5 years ago and my student was 50 years old, employed, drove a car, white, a mother, and owned her own home.  and she could not read a dr. seuss book.  illiterate is not what most people think of when they read the description of my student.   i am happy to say when we were done she knew the difference between there, they're, and their.  i know that it took a lot of courage to admit she couldn't read and even more to LEARN to read.
back to this stat about 61% of children in low income families do not have their own books.  it absolutely breaks my heart and baffles me.  books are so much a part of our home that hendrix is currently quoting from too many cats. his birthday party theme is from the very hungry caterpillar by eric carle.  he has been read goodnight moon at bed time since he was 2 weeks old.  we go to the library as much as we go to target.  i rely on books to entertain, as much as, i rely on music, toys, pbs cartoons, and the dogs. 
i don't think low income families make the conscious decision to not buy books and read to their children.  i know they have other things happening. but i also know that i and you can make a difference by making a donation to our literacy center and encouraging our children to read with us.  i think for hendrix's birthday the other theme is that he and i will go donate some new books at the literacy center.  it is never too early to teach that it is better to give than receive. if you would like to join me, i suggest making a stop at jackson street bookseller's children's book section. . .they have great ones in great condition. . .perfect for donating and adding to your own collection.