Last Friday, First Book joined Super Bowl XLII Champion and New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck at a reading event at Central Elementary School in Rockford, AL. Tuck, a native of Rockford, was on hand to celebrate the launch of Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy initiative. The program aspires to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED, and HOPE as they continue to nurture literacy in their lives.

Working with the Central Alabama Community Foundation and the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library, Tuck teamed up with First Book to donate 4,500 new books to support the 2008 bookmobile program, which will visit various Coosa County locations this summer. Tuck will continue his commitment through the R.U.S.H. for Literacy program throughout the New York City metro area when the 2008 season kicks off this fall.