AdventHealth, Erik Jones expand book vending machine program with sixth school donation

Just days before the DAYTONA 500, students at Edith I. Starke Elementary School experienced a different kind of thrill — one that didn’t involve engines or speed, but stories.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones visited the DeLand school Friday to read with students and unveil a new “Bookworm” vending machine alongside representatives from LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and AdventHealth. The machine rewards students for positive behavior, allowing them to earn tokens they can exchange for books to take home and keep.

For some children, it may be the first book they ever truly own.

Educators say access to books at home plays a key role in helping students build reading skills and confidence. When students can choose a book that interests them, they are more likely to see reading as something they enjoy rather than an assignment.

“We’re inspired by this opportunity to support reading in our community,” said Khelsea Bauer, president and CEO of AdventHealth DeLand. “When children have access to stories at school and at home, it builds confidence and opens up new possibilities. If we can help spark that connection to reading, we’re investing in far more than books — we’re investing in a child’s future.”

Jones founded The Erik Jones Foundation in 2021, with a focus that includes promoting early literacy. Book vending machines became a signature initiative after one was installed at his former elementary school in Michigan, where educators reported a 300% increase in students choosing books as their reward.

“It’s always rewarding to come down here and give back to the AdventHealth community,” Jones said. “We’ve been able to donate a few book vending machines with AdventHealth and it never gets old to see the kids get excited when we unveil it. Literacy is a big part of my foundation and a cause I’m very invested in, so to have a partner like AdventHealth that helps support that means a lot.”

School leaders say the impact of the visit and the new resource will be felt for years to come.

"We are deeply grateful to Erik Jones, his foundation, and AdventHealth for their generous gift of another book vending machine, this time to Starke Elementary School,” said Dr. Carmen Balgobin, superintendent for Volusia County Schools. “This partnership is helping foster a love of reading in our schools and reminding children and adults alike of the joy that getting a new book brings."

The vending machine at Starke Elementary is the sixth AdventHealth has helped bring to local schools and the fourth in Volusia County. Previous schools include Chisolm Elementary, Discovery Elementary and Blue Lake Elementary in Volusia County, along with Rymfire Elementary in Flagler County and Pinewood Elementary in Brevard County.

To help ensure the shelves remain stocked, AdventHealth has pledged $5,000 annually for each machine it donates — an investment that now totals $30,000 across the six schools.

AdventHealth serves as the Official Health Care Champion of Volusia County Schools, supporting initiatives that promote student well-being and access to care.

Jones will drive the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE in the 68^th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 15. This season marks 11 races featuring the AdventHealth-sponsored car.