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Arpino gives away 1300 books to children
Immunizations can be a scary thing for young children.
When Milan Arpino received her immunizations through the Shots for Tots program at the Ouachita Parish Health Unit, her mom made sure that she had several books to keep her occupied so she would not be afraid.
When Milan Arpino received her immunizations through the Shots for Tots program at the Ouachita Parish Health Unit, her mom made sure that she had several books to keep her occupied so she would not be afraid.
“When I was four years old, I noticed that there weren’t any books at the health unit for other children to read so I asked my mom about it,” said Arpino, a rising senior at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. “She told me that maybe they didn’t have any books to bring with them.”
After thinking about it for a while, Arpino decided that instead of receiving gifts for her birthday she wanted to start a program that she called Books for the Babies. The following July, when her friends came to her fifth birthday party, she asked them to not bring a birthday gift, but instead bring a book that she could give to the children at the health unit.
“The tradition has continued every year since 2004, and I have given away more than 1,300 brand new books since that time,” said Arpino.
Although she no longer has birthday parties with her friends, she saves money she has earned or been given throughout the year to buy Books for the Babies.
According to Arpino, the best part of her birthday is going to the health unit and passing out books to the children who are waiting to receive immunizations. She especially likes when she hears children say “read to me” and their parents put down their phone, pick up their child and begin to read the book she has given them.
“Every year it is a privilege to give back to my community and help children learn about the joy of reading and learning,” she said.
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After thinking about it for a while, Arpino decided that instead of receiving gifts for her birthday she wanted to start a program that she called Books for the Babies. The following July, when her friends came to her fifth birthday party, she asked them to not bring a birthday gift, but instead bring a book that she could give to the children at the health unit.
“The tradition has continued every year since 2004, and I have given away more than 1,300 brand new books since that time,” said Arpino.
Although she no longer has birthday parties with her friends, she saves money she has earned or been given throughout the year to buy Books for the Babies.
According to Arpino, the best part of her birthday is going to the health unit and passing out books to the children who are waiting to receive immunizations. She especially likes when she hears children say “read to me” and their parents put down their phone, pick up their child and begin to read the book she has given them.
“Every year it is a privilege to give back to my community and help children learn about the joy of reading and learning,” she said.
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T: 800.259.3173 | F: 318.357.3189
Contact Us | Report Possible Fraud or Abuse
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