CITGO’s Lake Charles refinery recently partnered with Bess the Book Bus, a mobile literacy initiative, to visit local schools in southwest Louisiana. During visits to Brenda Hunter Head Start, E. K. Key Elementary, J. D. Clifton Elementary, and T. H. Watkins Elementary schools, the program provided young students the chance to select a special book to call their own.
“We are so grateful to CITGO and Bess the Book Bus for bringing the joy of reading directly to our youngest learners,” said E. K. Key Elementary School Principal Beth Hooper. “Watching our PreK through first grade students light up as they choose their very own book and listen to a story read just for them is truly heartwarming. This experience not only supports literacy but also helps spark a lifelong love of books. Thank you, CITGO and Bess the Book Bus, for making reading magical for our students!”
This annual collaboration underscores the shared dedication of CITGO and Bess the Book Bus to fostering literacy and encouraging early childhood education in meaningful, hands-on ways.
“Having Bess the Book Bus back in our community is always a highlight,” said Sterling Neblett, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery. “In just two days, we had the privilege of connecting with 600 children and providing them with their very own book to take home — a small gift with the power to inspire big dreams.”
Based in Tampa, Fla., Bess the Book Bus, founded by Jennifer Frances in 2002, brings book ownership to underserved children. Supported by CITGO, it reaches over 45,000 children annually, distributing more than 75,000 books across dozens of states. Beyond this partnership, CITGO champions education in Calcasieu Parish through initiatives like the CITGO Innovation Academies — STEM-focused programs at E. K. Key Elementary, LeBlanc Middle, and Sulphur High School. A participant in the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Partners in Education Program since 1988, CITGO supports four schools, including Sulphur Ninth Grade Campus and High School, the Calcasieu Parish Alternative Sites, and E. K. Key Elementary.
