Of the 16 million children living in poverty in the United States, two-thirds don’t have a book to call their own.
The greatest gift you can give a child is the gift of literacy, and this is especially true during this season of giving. Books matter. They are the building blocks to a better future. They foster a child’s imagination, expand their understanding of the world and fuel a lifelong love of learning.
Research shows that putting books in the hands of children improves reading performance, encourages reading for longer lengths of time and produces improved attitudes toward learning.
Reading Is Fundamental is committed to supporting parents, educators, caregivers and volunteers to create a culture of literacy. This includes free reading resources, with a digital library — with more than 10,000 resources directly tied to the books that parents, teachers and community partners turn to every day — and the online tools that are needed to be an effective literacy champion. Designed for schools, community partners and volunteers, the site features tips, tools and resources to support reading in every community.
With 25 million children in the United States who are not at an acceptable level of reading proficiency, it is more critical than ever to ensure every child has an opportunity to own books, learn how to read, and obtain the fundamental building blocks needed to achieve their potential.
By giving the gift of literacy, we offer children hope for the future. This holiday season, we ask for your help to ensure every child has the fundamental building blocks to be successful in life.
Alicia Levi, President and CEO, Reading Is Fundamental, [email protected]
