This holiday season, toys won’t be the only things Santa Claus will have in his sack of goodies. When he makes a stop in Selma, he’ll be bringing books.

The Zeta Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will hold its annual “Reading is Fundamental Breakfast with Santa” Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon inside the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center. Event organizers will pass out books to children in Pre-K through 12 grades, serve a special Green Eggs and Ham breakfast based on the title made famous by Dr. Seuss and Christmas treats.

Program coordinator and retired Selma City School librarian Nancy G. Sewell said the event is important to showcase the value of reading.

“It’s important to teach the value of giving books … to know the value of getting books and stories and literary (works) for Christmas,” Sewell said. “The value of books at Christmas is utmost important.”

Sewell said the local chapter also gives away books to children during the summer months and on Presidents Day in February.

“We receive donations from the city of Selma, Dallas County Commissioners and the AKAs, local chapter,” Sewell said. “Since 1993, we’ve given out thousands of books to the boys and girls of Selma and Dallas County; All in all, (the) Santa breakfast is designed for children … to have lots of exciting books, food and fun.”

The program, Sewell said, will also include puppet shows, storytelling with Santa’s helpers Clifford the Big Red Dog, Franklin the turtle, Curious George and Waldo.

Started in 1966 by former educator Margaret McNamara in Washington D.C. to ensure students who she tutored in reading owned their own books, the program has garnered national acclaim, giving billions of books away to children.

For more information about the breakfast, contact any local AKA member.

The RIF Christmas distribution, Sewell said, is also made possible by Probate Judge Kim Ballard, Selma Mayor George Evans and the Selma City Council and AmeriCorps.