Lauren Griffin was very excited when she got the one and only copy of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom."
The book was one of her favorite books when she was a child and she was anxious to take it home and read it to her nine-month-old, Jo’vannie.
Griffin was one of several Project Opportunity students who were the recipients of the First Book distribution that was held at Bryant Alternative High School before the holidays.
"We’re a national non-profit whose mission is to give new books to children from low income families," said Katie Brown, spokesperson for First Books.
"We take the time to hand select the books and find the books that are most appropriate and which children will enjoy," said Mary Beth Fresh of First Books. "We hope that these books will bind a nice place in your homes."
Project Opportunity is a high school completion program for Fairfax County young women who are pregnant or parenting. Not only does it give pregnant teens a chance to attend high school, but it also gives them many avenues of support.
In addition to the new books, the girls enjoyed a holiday get-together and received several new gifts from New Hope Church.
Located in Hayfield, parishioners of this parish held services at Bryant. When they learned that there was a need for holiday gifts, they responded.
Even though the church now has their own facility they continue to provide the teen mothers not only with gifts for their children but also gift cards for the mothers.
"They’re an amazing group of people, we don’t even have to contact them to ask for their help," said Elizabeth Link, Project Opportunity director/counselor. "They just do it."