Charleston business leaders launch effort to save Trident Literacy

A coalition of community business leaders in Charleston launched "Operation Open Book" on Thursday to raise money for financially-troubled Trident Literacy Association.

By News 2
Published: June 11, 2009

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A coalition of community business leaders in Charleston launched "Operation Open Book" on Thursday to raise money for financially-troubled Trident Literacy Association.

The coalition is composed of members of the Charleston Literacy Roundtable, representatives from the Trident Literacy Association and other business leaders.

The hopes to raise at least $200,000 through the Operation Open Book fund, established by First Federal.

The fund was created in response to the imminent closure of two of Trident Literacy’s seven branches because of state funding cuts and donation decreases.

Trident Literacy announced on Wednesday that a lack of money will force the closure of its Meeting Street and Summerville branches at the end of June.

The two offices serve a combined total of more than 650 students annually, most of whom test below the eighth grade level in reading or math.

“The potential loss of these two branches is devastating,” said Eileen Chepenik, executive director of the Trident Literacy Association. “I’m totally overwhelmed by the support. We’re tremendously grateful to the coalition of business leaders who have already stepped forward to offer their support, and hope the community will follow suit.”

The public is encouraged to contribute to the Operation Open Book by visiting any First Federal office or giving an online donation at www.firstfederal.com.

For more information, contact Trident Literacy Association at 747-2223 or First Federal at 843-529-5930.