SAN DIEGO - Approximately 422,000 San Diego adults cannot read and write well enough to meet everyday needs and pursue professional goals. To aid in this alarming problem, READ/San Diego and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza have partnered for International Literacy Day, Sept. 8 and 9, to help break the cycle of illiteracy and raise needed books for San Diego kids. San Diegans can help by visiting Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and donating new or gently used children's books for the third annual International Literacy Day book drive.

READ/San Diego is a literacy program of the City of San Diego Library. Last year, the book drive collected more than 5,000 books. When San Diegans bring in a book into any of Sammy's eight San Diego and Temecula locations, they receive a complimentary Messy Sundae in exchange for their helpful contribution. All books will be donated to READ/San Diego's Families for Literacy Program.

"Every child in San Diego needs books to help them learn to read," said Chris McFadden, director of READ/San Diego. "This is a wonderful opportunity for San Diegans to help their neighbors and in turn, are helping children learn to read."

Research shows that parents who are functionally illiterate do not share literacy activities, such as reading aloud, storytelling or writing, with their children. Children under the age of 5 who do not have literacy-rich experiences shared by their parents are not school-ready and attempt to play catch-up the first three years of school. Often, these children do not catch-up and eventually, become illiterate adults themselves.

All READ/San Diego programs are staffed by literacy professionals who coordinate the efforts of volunteer reading tutors and cooperate with local adult schools, community colleges and other literacy education providers in making and receiving student referrals.

"We are delighted to be a part of this partnership for the third year," said Sami Ladeki, founder and president of Ladeki Restaurant Group, proprietor of Sammy's Woodfired Pizza. "As a family-friendly establishment, we are proud to help bring together quality community campaigns and hope that we can raise even more than last year's record-breaking donations."

All restaurants are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Book collection bins will be clearly marked and prominently placed in the restaurants.

A San Diego tradition, Sammy's has been serving pizza, pastas and salads since their inception in 1989. Today, they have grown to 16 locations in three states. For more information on locations or additional details on Sammy's visit www.sammyspizza.com.