About 50 local families with young children will receive backpacks filled with books, thanks to a grant from Target.

Target recently donated $2,000 to Meeting Street, which, through its Ready to Read Book Backpack Program, loans families sets of theme-related books.

The backpacks are distributed to families with children up to 3 years old in families with low incomes, some of which have children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Inside each backpack are six books, written in English and Spanish and for varying levels, plus a log book and activity sheets. The log book allows parents to record their experiences to share with other families, and the activity sheets allow for extended lessons.

Amanda McMullen, senior director of external relations at Meeting Street, said she’s received positive feedback from participating families and educators.

“We are excited about this grant from Target because it will help us develop about 50 more of these backpacks that can be used by multiple families over the course of the year,” she said, adding, “Target recognizes the value of putting books in kids’ and families’ hands in an interactive and focused way. … Their gifts will make it possible for more families to benefit from this program.” •