ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Clifford the Big Red Dog is coming to WUCF on Oct. 3, and he's helping kick off a big goal for Central Florida: collecting 6,000 books for young readers.
WUCF and VyStar Credit Union are teaming up again for the annual Preschool Book Drive, beginning with a special kickoff at WUCF's free PBS KIDS Book Bash. Families can enjoy story times and meet-and-greets with Clifford while getting an early start on the drive by bringing new or gently used children’s books to donate.
Following the Oct. 3 Book Bash, the drive officially launches on Nov. 1 and continues throughout the month. WUCF studios, VyStar Credit Union branches and participating independent bookstores across Central Florida will serve as collection sites. Monetary donations will also be accepted online to purchase books benefiting Head Start programs and supporting early literacy throughout the community.
"Having books at home gives children more opportunities to explore, ask questions and develop a love of reading with the people closest to them," said Jennifer Cook, Executive Director of WUCF. "Working with VyStar allows us to bring this effort into communities across Central Florida and make it easier for more people to take part. Together, we can help put more books within reach for the children and families who will enjoy them."
"At VyStar, our purpose to Do Good includes investing in opportunities that help children and families thrive," said Kemal Gasper, Vice President of Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union. "Books inspire curiosity, imagination and a lifelong love of learning. Through our partnership with WUCF, we're making it easy for communities across Central Florida to come together, donate books and help more children build strong foundations for the future."
In 2025, community members donated 5,800 books through the partnership. The books were distributed to nine Head Start programs — one in each of the Central Florida counties served by both organizations: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia. This year, WUCF and VyStar hope to build on that response with a goal of collecting 6,000 books.
The WUCF & VyStar Preschool Book Drive is part of WUCF's broader commitment to early learning, bringing together WUCF’s educational resources and VyStar’s community reach to expand access to books for young children across the region.
Join the Book Bash on Oct. 3
The WUCF PBS KIDS Book Bash will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at WUCF’s studios, 12461 Research Parkway, Suite 550, in Orlando. The event is free and open to the public.
Families can bring a new or gently used children’s book to the Book Bash or donate during the Nov. 1–30 drive at WUCF’s studio, VyStar Credit Union branches and participating independent bookstores. Monetary donations can also be made online.
For Book Bash details and see a list of participating collection locations and ways to donate, visit WUCF.org/BookDrive
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About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region’s trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida’s only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF’s impact and programming, visit WUCF.org.
About VyStar Credit Union: VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
WUCF Media Contact
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199
VyStar Media Contact
Leigh Ann Rassler
rasslerl@vystarcu.org
904.813.9933
