The Richmond Education Foundation is launching an initiative aimed at improving childhood literacy and rallying community support for public education. The “Give 804” campaign kicks off Aug. 4 and will run through Sept. 30, with a goal of raising $50,000 and collecting 10,000 children’s books to benefit Richmond Public Schools students in pre-K through third grade.

“Knowing how to read fundamentally changes the trajectory of a child’s life,” Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a statement. “Over the past several years, we have led the state in implementing rich and rigorous literacy instruction for our students. That instruction relies on access to books. That’s where the community comes in.”

The campaign encourages donations in amounts tied to the 804 area code — such as $8.04, $80.40 or $804 — and offers several ways to participate. Supporters can donate new or gently used children’s books, with drop-off locations to be announced across the city. They can fund the future by contributing money to help purchase books and support reading programs. They can also become a reading buddy by volunteering to read with a student at least twice a month.

Local businesses will take part in “round-up for reading” promotions, and some corporate donors will offer gift matches.

Mayor Danny Avula cited its potential impact of the campaign on the city’s long-term success.

“As a practicing pediatrician, I know firsthand that the investments we make in our kids’ well-being reap lifelong benefits,” Avula said. “Few things are as important to me as making sure all our children are prepared to succeed. It all starts with reading.”

The Richmond Ed Fund’s CEO, Taikein Cooper, highlighted the purpose of the initiative.

“Give 804 is our moment to turn the page,” Cooper said.

“We’re calling on families, alumni, businesses and neighbors to invest in a future where every child reads on grade level by third grade.”

For more information, visit rps.fund.