Dear Friends,
Once Upon a Time… It was a dark and stormy night… This is the tale that was told to me…: Throughout history, winter has been a season rich in the tradition of storytelling, serving as a captivating blend of entertainment and education for individuals of all ages. This enduring legacy is exemplified in Beowulf, one of the oldest recorded stories, where the narrative opens with a compelling command, “Listen! we have heard of the might of the kings,”. No matter the opening line, the timeless power and importance of story and literacy is in its ability to connect generations and communities through the ages.
We remember the stories that resonated with us as children, particularly during this time of year, recognizing the significance of these moments in shaping our love for reading and storytelling. Through one of our most engaging initiatives, “Storybook Adventures”, Kids Need to Read is dedicated to preserving the impact of story time. Beyond the shared experience, each participating child receives a book to take home, accompanied by a new companion to inspire their own story time moments. This is only one of the ways that Kids Need to Read is privileged to bring the light of literacy in a child’s life.
This year has marked a significant chapter in the story of Kids Need to Read, filled with achievements and transformative developments. We successfully transitioned to a new location, fortifying our organizational infrastructure to better serve our mission. Through strategic efforts, we are developing innovative initiatives and programs to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. Noteworthy milestones such as our 50th library donation through the Grow Your Library program were celebrated in 2023. So far this fiscal year our impact has been profound, reaching over 90,000 children with books and essential reading resources. The continuous growth of Kids Need to Read over the past 16 years has been made possible by the unwavering support of our generous donors. Your contributions have been instrumental in sustaining our momentum and ensuring the enduring success of our mission.
With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our thanks for being a vital part of our story. Your kindness, in the form of tax deductable donations, not only enriches the lives of young readers but also contributes to the growth of a brighter, more literate future.
Wishing you happy holidays, good health, and bountiful books!
Jessica Payne
Executive Director, Kids Need to Read
