Dear Friend,
As Kids Need to Read prepares to turn the page to an exciting new year, we could not do so without reflecting in awe over all that we have accomplished together in such a short time. With the generous pledges of many new friends and the continued support of our oldest and dearest, the past year has brought amazing strides toward our goal of returning literacy to prominence, one child at a time. Through the continued donation of book collections to institutions in need and the development of thrilling new literacy programs, Kids Need to Read is proudly allied with many diverse schools and programs across the nation. Even more exciting, in the past year we have grown to directly impact the lives of 30,000 children – and we’re just warming up!
2012 has also seen the evolution of our revolutionary Reading Revolution pilot project into a flagship literacy program. With our program partners at Arizona State University and Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, this groundbreaking interactive program has gone from the drawing board to the classroom in such a short time and is already making a measurable impact on the literacy skills of hundreds of economically disadvantaged middle school students in the Phoenix area. With the program’s tremendous success to date, we could not be more excited for the coming year and plans for expansion of Reading Revolution to many more amazing and resilient children, including the homeless and impoverished students served by our friends at Children First Academy in Phoenix and Tempe.
We have BIG plans ahead, too. In addition to the thrilling growth of Reading Revolution, our nationwide book donations have taken on a life of their own, delivering gifts of knowledge and opportunity to more children by the day. Kids Need to Read is also continuing to combat childhood violence through kindness with our growing Kids-N-Peace program. Teaching children about the detriments of violence and the benefits of peaceful conflict resolution through the power of reading, we will continue to deliver expertly designed Peace Packs to schools and institutions in need. Each Peace Pack brims with stories of tolerance, unity, and great leadership, delivered through a wealth of inspirational reading material and intriguing activities. New additions to the developing program in 2013 will be the provision of engaging school presentations and related projects through a variety of mediums, as well as books given directly to participating children to keep. Please consider providing a “gift of Peace” by contributing directly to this vital program. Simply include “Kids-N-Peace” in the comments section of the Kids Need to Read donation page.
Your generosity and support have brought us such a long way since our story began in 2008. Will you continue to help Kids Need to Read in our mission to provide a stronger education and a brighter future for every child in need? Together, we have already sparked so many new dreams. Please help us make 2013 the best chapter yet!
Best wishes and happy holidays,
Denise Gary
Executive Director
Kids Need to Read Annual Report
Thanks from the kids:
Dear Kids Need to Read,
I would like to thank you very much for the books. I [like] to read seventh grade chapter books and they are fun to read and the books you gave me are realy [sic] cool books. I would also like to thank you for the bag and book marks [sic]. I can realy [sic] use them both. I think what your [sic] doing is a very greatful [sic] and giving thing. The key to life is books and it unlocks the mind and it helps the brain to think. I appreciate the gifts very much.
Sincerely,
Hunter L.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
. . . I want to thank you for giving us these magnificant [sic] books and backpacks. I truly thank you for giving me these wonderful books and look forward to reading one. I hope you always stay like that. Thank you again for your generousity [sic].
Sincerely,
Brody G.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thank you for the books and all the other stuff in the bag. My name is Ayden . . . and I love to read books. . . . I am looking forward to reading the books you gave me. Did you know I LOVE Books? This was very generous of you!
Sincereley [sic],
Ayden J.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thank you for the bag and the books. I really like the book. I started to read it, and now I’m really in to it! I love it so far! I also used the bag for a trip I went on. The book helped me pass the time. It was very thoughtful of you to donate these books.
Sincerely,
Brody M.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thank you for the books and backpack[.] I like it alot [sic]. I read the book you guys gave me and it was in my reading level. I really like the backpack because it comes in handy if I go on a family trip to the mountains or where ever I go. I like to read books because it helps me to be a better reader. That was very nice of you to give us these gifts.
Sincerely,
Hunter T.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thaks [sic] for giving us Books. That was a great book ever. I appreciate the bag very mach [sic]. Thank you for the [Highlights magazine]. How are you doing[?]
from Dakota
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thank you for the book. I like it. It’s also funny. In the beginning you can maybe see if I remember in the beginning Hunter is well shall I say greedy. In the end Hunter learned his lesson. If he didn’t the jungle would be in trouble.
Devin W.
Dear Kids Need to Read,
Thank you for the book bag. I love it so much. I like the Highlights and the book.
Sincerely
Kris
Dear kids need to read:
Thank you for the back pack! And thank you for the book you gave me!
Sincerely
Ryder
Dear Kids Need to Read,
. . . I want to tell you thank you for the book titled “What I did on my Hypergalactic Interstellar Summer Vacation” and the “Highlights Magazine.” I will enjoy them very much. I appreciate them alot [sic].
Sincerely,
Your dear reader Connor
