Books, Videos and Other Educational Materials Given to Teachers and Students at Anniston Avenue Elementary School in Gulfport

( Gulfport )- “I'm not sure who is more excited, the teachers' or the kids,” exclaimed Julie Gainey a first grade teacher at Anniston Avenue Elementary School . “ Between the Lions was a part of our classroom experience before Katrina and will continue to be now after Katrina. It just helps to create an environment where our kids know that things are going to get back to normal.”

This loveable family of lions – parents Theo and Cleo, and cubs Lionel and Leona – made a special trip to the Anniston Avenue Elementary to bring a few smiles to the kids in grades K – 2. For Gainey and the teachers at the school this visit couldn't come at a better time.

“They recognized the characters, sang the songs, including the show's theme song, and were just ecstatic to see the lions in person,” said Gainey. “This show brings it all to life for our students. They've watched the show on TV and to see the lions at their school will intensify their learning experience because they will feel like they are a part of it and that makes it real.”

Between the Lions is produced by WGBH Boston, Sirius Thinking, Ltd. and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. The visit to Gulfport follows two weeks of production at MPB's Jackson studio for ten new episodes of the six-time Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series.

“What better way to end production in our Jackson studios then to travel to the Gulf Coast and help bring books and smiles to these children and teachers who have lost so much,” said MPB executive director Marie Antoon.

“We are thrilled to be able to share the lions with these kids,” said executive producer Judith Stoia. “It means a lot to us to make a contribution to Mississippi children, not only on television but in person.”

Mississippi First Lady Marsha Barbour made a special appearance in the show. As Ambassador of Reading in Mississippi , Mrs. Barbour read a book to Lionel, Leona and the students.

“These kids have been through so much it's very gratifying to bring a little joy into their lives,” said Norman Stiles, executive producer of Sirius Thinking Ltd. and head writer for Between the Lions . “Having Mrs. Barbour join us is a treat for all of us.”

The We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) joined in the partnership with WGBH Boston, Sirius Thinking Ltd. and Mississippi Public Broadcasting to bring the show to Gulfport . WAFF President Nancy Hunt applauded the efforts of everyone working together as a family to help out during this disaster.

“We are honored to have been able to help bring some normalcy and happiness back to the children of Gulfport by supporting the efforts of MPB and the cast and crew of Between the Lions in making this visit,” said Hunt.

Hurricane Katrina left her mark on Anniston Avenue Elementary. Wind and rain severely damaged numerous classrooms including a special education classroom and two kindergarten classrooms. The largest loss was the schools library and 30 years of books and educational materials.

First Book, through its Book Relief initiative, has given Anniston Avenue Elementary 500 books to help rebuild its library. As of Friday First Book has distributed more than 300,000 new books to children affected by the hurricanes with approximately 100,000 going to the Mississippi Gulf Coast .

“We all saw the terrible devastation that unfolded along the Gulf and knew immediately we had to do something,” said Kyle Zimmer, President, First Book. “First Book is doing what we do best – providing new books to bring comfort and stability to those from whom Katrina has taken so much.”

Mississippi Public Broadcasting joined up with giants of the public broadcasting industry and the Mississippi State University Extension Service to provide educational materials for child care centers who may have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina. MPB received a $75,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and received videos and books from Sesame Workshop and Between the Lions to provide educational kits to impacted areas. The Foundation for Public Broadcasting in Mississippi purchased televisions with video/digital combination players that will be given to the day care centers and the Extension Service is helping distribute the resource materials.

To see if your child care center qualifies, contact Babs Brackin at Mississippi Public Broadcasting at 1-800-922-9698. Be sure to identify the program s Operation ABC – Read.

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