BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AmFirst Credit Union has renewed its official partnership with Better Basics for the second consecutive year. Through collective community action and employee engagement, AmFirst said it collected more than 700 children’s books across its 21 branch locations and supported hands-on reading initiatives in local schools.
Throughout March 2025, AmFirst members, employees and communities came together to donate new books, which will go directly to students most in need. These donations will support Better Basics’ vital mission to eradicate illiteracy among children in Central Alabama by delivering targeted reading and math instruction and resources to empower the educationally vulnerable.
“We believe that books change lives,” Jody Mattson, director of philanthropy and community engagement at AmFirst, said in a statement. “Every book collected brings us one step closer to ensuring every child in our community has the opportunity to read, learn and succeed.”
The Impact
According to AmFirst, the impact is clear:
- 16% of Alabamians are illiterate.
- 79% of low-income children enter kindergarten without knowing all the letters of the alphabet.
The CU noted children not reading at grade level by third grade and living in poverty are 13 times less likely to graduate from high school.
60% of low-income families don’t own a single children’s book.
This year’s partnership also included a special Day of Service, when AmFirst adopted Fairfield City Schools for the day. More than 50 AmFirst employees volunteered at Glen Oaks Intermediate School, Robinson Elementary School and the Forest Hills Community Development Center, reading to students in classrooms using the Better Basics curriculum. These activities directly brought joy, engagement and essential literacy experiences to the children.
Better Basics is also proud to be named one of AmFirst’s 2025 Community First recipients, which honors nonprofit organizations making a lasting difference in local communities. This selection guarantees continued collaboration and support throughout the year.
“Partnering with Better Basics is not just about donating books or hours,” President and CEO Kevin Morris said in a statement. “It’s about investing in Alabama’s future. One child, one story, one day at a time.”