Devon HenryOne of the most interactive and hard-working driver foundations in NASCAR is The Erik Jones Foundation. The same group who brought The Sun Bus to Phoenix Raceway during NASCAR Championship Weekend in 2023 for fans to receive free skin screenings is kicking off their 2024 fun by donating a Book Vending Machine and reading with students at an elementary school near Daytona International Speedway.
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Erik Jones and the Erik Jones Foundation partnered with AdventHealth and visited Blue Lake Elementary School just outside of Daytona as he hosted another edition of #READwithErik for the students and invited two-time Daytona 500 winning Crew Chief and NASCAR on FOX broadcaster, Larry McReynolds.
Spent some time at Blue Lake Elementary this morning reading and sharing my NASCAR journey. We partnered up with @AdventHealth to donate a book vending machine for the kids at Blue Lake through my foundation. Thank you @AdventHealth for supporting #READwithErik and our mission to… pic.twitter.com/dhyCp2r4xx
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) February 15, 2024
“We are thrilled NASCAR driver Erik Jones visited today, not only to encourage our students to explore the world of books by reading to them, but also by donating a gift that will foster a love of literacy throughout their years at Blue Lake Elementary” Principal Holly Bailey said. “We appreciate AdventHealth’s continued support in reinforcing the importance of attendance and academic success across Volusia County Schools.”
In addition, AdventHealth announced they will donate $5,000 annually to keep the vending machine fully stocked with books for the children.
“I want these machines to inspire kids to read and continue reading. That’s the ultimate goal,” Jones said. “Being a strong reader is important to unlocking doors and helping young people live up to their full potential. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with AdventHealth to deliver another book vending machine for some well-deserving kids.”
Jones established his foundation in 2021, and made “igniting a passion for reading” part of its mission. Book vending machines have become a signature part of his community efforts after Jones purchased one for his former elementary school and the school saw a 300% increase in the number of kids who chose a book as their reward for being good students.
Looking forward to Daytona this week and excited to kick it off with a #READwithErik. Join me tonight at 7PM on my Facebook page to read “Bloop” by Tara Lazar. pic.twitter.com/zU0sWf52wU
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) February 13, 2024
The mission of the Erik Jones Foundation is to change lives by igniting children’s passion for reading, encouraging early cancer detection and care, and promoting animal welfare.
NASCAR returns to Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children’s 500 weekend March 8-10, tickets are still available for all three days of action. Plus, NASCAR Championship Weekend returns to Phoenix Raceway to crown four champions in three days from November 8-10.
