Call it the Word Gap.

By age four, children in lowerincome families will hear 30 million fewer words than their more affluent peers.

Campaigns are underway nationwide to help close this “word gap” with simple steps such as encouraging parents and other adults to talk, read and sing to children in their lives.

The Molina Foundation, a Long Beach-based nonprofit, through its book donation endeavors, works to reduce such disparities.

“It all starts with words and engaging parents and grandparents in creating homes filled with them,” according to The Molina Foundation President and Founder, Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett.

“We know that simple resources, like new books and health tips, have a positive impact on children and families,” she added.

The Molina Foundation, and its cornerstone program Book Buddies, partners with educators and nonprofit groups in Southern California and across the country. Since 2004, the Foundation has provided more than 3.5 million new children’s books in English and Spanish.

According to Bernadett, the Foundation helps ensure children grow up in word-rich and healthy homes.

“Strikingly, when looking at homes in low-income neighborhoods, one finds only one book for every 300 children,” she said. “With more books in hand, the gap begins to close.”

Books serve other purposes. “If you can’t read, you can’t understand directions on your medicine bottle or preventive care measures needed to make sure your children are immunized,” Bernadett explained. “Parents and grandparents need tools to help children grow up healthy and ready to learn. The Foundation is here to help.”

During November and December, the Foundation partnered with community organizations to distribute nearly 100,000 children’s storybooks in high-need neighborhoods in Los Angeles and nationwide. In 2016, the Foundation’s goal is to reach 1 million children and families.

The Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, publishers, and businesses to make this happen. Every $3 donation received will help bring a wonderful new book to a child in need.

To learn more, visit The Molina Foundation at www. molinafoundation.org or call 310-375- 6813.

The Molina Foundation is proud of its work to help children achieve and families progress and happy that the Word Gap is narrowing.