Greetings!
These are exciting times to support Kids Need to Read! We have spent the past five years developing our organization, refining our programs, and growing. During that time, we have provided tens of thousands of new, high quality reading resources to schools, libraries, and other childhood literacy programs in 41 states, as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. We have contributed library sets, class sets, and books directly to disadvantaged children, as well as furnished inspiring speakers, important panels, and engaging literacy activities to schools and events. But most remarkably, we have worked directly with students to examine exactly what builds a child’s interest in reading and what can be done to have a positive impact on their lives, from kindergarten through high school. This process has shaped our direction and led us to develop the Reading Revolution, Build-a-Book, and Kids-N-Peace literacy programs.
We consider the Kids-N-Peace program so vital, we plan to begin establishing volunteer chapters next year to spread this program across the country. Kids-N-Peace is designed to support literacy education, as well as help students cope with bullying, learn peaceful conflict resolution techniques, and develop effective leadership skills. Todd Kemmerer, counselor at Children First Academy in Tempe, a school for homeless and impoverished children, reports students fully engaged in program discussions and reading their books on their own time—something he has never witnessed before.
Kids Need to Read wants to expand this effective program to other disadvantaged children who need help visualizing their future as something greater than their current situation. They need our books. They need our program. And we need you to make it happen! Without contributions, Kids Need to Read will not be able to bring this vital literacy program to the eyes and ears of those who need it most. Please consider supporting the Annual Fund drive by making a donation today. Whether you can help with $25 or $1,000, every dollar from the Annual Fund will help us plan for the future—the children’s future. Of course, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
Thanks so much for all you do to support Kids Need to Read! We hope you are gratified to know you have been a large part of our success. In turn, we are proud of the impeccable level of financial transparency we have maintained, the superb reputation we have cultivated, and the exceptional programs we have developed to help impoverished children succeed through literacy. With your support, we look forward to the many great things yet to come!
Most gratefully,
Denise Gary
Executive Director
