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Flint Dealership Donates Books to NICU, Launches 'Reading to Grow' Initiative

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 1:03 GMT by ABC12
      Locale: UNITED STATES

FLINT, Mich. - March 24, 2026 - Randy Wise Automotive, a long-standing pillar of the Flint community, has taken its commitment to local well-being a step further with the recent donation of books to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hurley Medical Center. While the initial donation, presented earlier this week, has garnered local attention, it represents the beginning of a broader, sustained initiative the dealership is calling "Reading to Grow," aimed at fostering early childhood development and providing crucial support for families navigating the challenges of newborn care.

The donation of books to Hurley's NICU isn't a spontaneous act, but rather a calculated extension of Randy Wise Automotive's established history of community involvement. For years, the dealership has supported local schools, youth sports programs, and various charitable organizations. However, recognizing the unique needs of premature and critically ill infants and their families, they've now focused on a program centered on the demonstrable benefits of early literacy and parent-child bonding.

"We've always believed in giving back to the community that supports us," explains Sarah Chen, Director of Community Relations at Randy Wise Automotive. "When we learned about the therapeutic power of reading - not just for cognitive development, but also for emotional regulation and bonding - especially in a stressful environment like the NICU, we knew we wanted to get involved. Reading to a baby, even a tiny one, is an incredible way for parents to feel connected and empowered during a difficult time."

The books donated are specifically selected for their suitability for premature infants and newborns, featuring high-contrast images, simple narratives, and tactile elements. They're designed to be used by both medical staff during therapeutic interactions and, importantly, by parents as a way to engage with their babies, even when physical touch may be limited due to medical procedures. Hurley Medical Center staff will also be provided with training on how to best utilize the books as part of a comprehensive developmental care plan.

"The NICU is a highly stressful environment, not just for the babies, but for their parents," explains Dr. Emily Carter, Head of Neonatology at Hurley Medical Center. "Having access to these books allows parents to feel like they can actively participate in their baby's care, even when they may feel helpless. It's a simple act, but it can make a huge difference in their emotional well-being, and surprisingly, in the infant's physiological responses. Studies show that reading can lower heart rates and improve oxygen saturation levels in premature infants."

But "Reading to Grow" doesn't stop at the NICU. Randy Wise Automotive plans to expand the program to other areas of Hurley Medical Center, including the pediatric ward and labor and delivery unit. They are also partnering with the Flint Public Library to offer free early literacy workshops for new parents, covering topics like selecting age-appropriate books, reading techniques, and the importance of establishing a daily reading routine.

Furthermore, the dealership is initiating a book drive throughout the Flint area, encouraging customers and the wider community to donate gently used or new children's books. Collection bins will be placed at all Randy Wise Automotive locations, and the collected books will be distributed to Hurley Medical Center and other local organizations serving children and families in need. They are also exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated "Reading Corner" within the NICU, a comfortable and inviting space where parents can read to their babies in a peaceful setting.

"We're not just donating books; we're investing in the future of our community," says Chen. "We believe that every child deserves a strong start in life, and access to books and early literacy experiences is a critical component of that. We hope 'Reading to Grow' will inspire other businesses and individuals to prioritize early childhood development and support the families in our region."