CHARACTER COUNTS

Mercury legend Penny Taylor to donate 800 books to Phoenix students

Nov 2, 2016, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:03 pm

Phoenix Mercury forward Penny Taylor (13) high fives Diana Taurasi (3) during the second half of  G...

Phoenix Mercury forward Penny Taylor (13) high fives Diana Taurasi (3) during the second half of Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Chicago Sky, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Mercury legend Penny Taylor will give hundreds of books away to local kids on Thursday at Crockett Elementary School.

The initiative is called “Penny Taylor: One for the Books,” and it will be held between 10 and 11 a.m.

The program was started by the Mercury in honor of Taylor, who recently retired after a 13-year career — three with the Cleveland Rockers (disbanded), and 10 with the Mercury. During the 2016 season, the Mercury bought a book for every point Taylor scored (312), and fans also donated funds and new Dr. Seuss books for the initiative.

The Mercury bought the books from KidsRead USA, and a total of 800 books were collected. The books are meant for local Title I students who aren’t able to get books on their own.

A three-time WNBA champion, Taylor will read her favorite Dr. Seuss book, “The Lorax,” at the event as well, and she will hold a Q&A with students about how important reading is. Scorch, the Mercury mascot, along with Hip Hop Squad members will be at the event for entertainment and to interact with the students.

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Mercury legend Penny Taylor to donate 800 books to Phoenix students