By Denise Gary
Photo by Lori Cothrun
Cox Charities has honored Kids Need to Read (KNTR) with a $6,000 grant award to be used toward the READ Together program. Funds dedicated to READ Together are used to implement the program in poorly funded schools located in low socioeconomic areas of the United States. KNTR chooses participating schools from applicants who demonstrate they are actively seeking methods and resources to assist in increasing low literacy levels among their student population. Cox Charities’ gift to KNTR will assist in funding the fulfillment of READ Together in ten Arizona schools, providing participating schools with the resources necessary to continue the program year after year.
Children who are routinely read to day in and day out—and immersed in rich talk about books and the various activities in which they are engaged—thrive. And those children with less exposure to books face tougher learning challenges in school and beyond. —Scholastic, Early Literacy
READ Together partners with schools and other literacy organizations to encourage adult caregivers to read every day with their children. The program utilizes a wealth of leveled books, educational resources, reading buddies, tips for caregivers on the go, and inspiration, all designed to increase at-home reading activities on a daily basis. Through a consistent, effective approach, young students will develop vital reading skills that will serve them throughout their educational years and beyond.
Kids Need to Read is one of 55 Phoenix area nonprofits receiving $350,000 in funding this year from Cox Charities. Grant funding comes from donations and fundraising efforts from Cox employees, Cox partners and Cox customers themselves.
“Local nonprofits, devoted to lifting up, supporting and educating youth—particularly those in crisis—are the lifeblood of our community and Cox is proud to support them,” said John Wolfe, Cox Senior Vice President and Southwest Region Manager.
Cox Charities grants are awarded on an annual basis with a focus on youth and education. Since its inception in 1996, Cox has awarded more than $6 million to Arizona non-profits. This is the first gift KNTR has received from the charitable fund.
KNTR sincerely thanks Cox Charities for supporting READ Together and its foundational focus on increasing reading proficiency levels among kindergarten and first grade students for their future success. Kids Need to Read is looking forward to serving the children who will benefit from Cox Charities’ foresight and generosity.
More: READ Together Information and Family Reading Tips
READ Together Contributors
Book Review Service–KINDLEBOOKREVIEW
Cox Charities
Eileen Duggan Memorial
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Arizona
Fiesta Bowl Charities
Travis Hanson, Author/Illustrator
Highlights for Children
Kathy and Jerry Wood Foundation
Mesa Host Lions Club
Mesa United Way
Kim Oshiro, Author
