Current Needs
It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.—Katherine Paterson
The Shipping Tree
The Shipping Tree books to help Kids Need to Read send literary treasure to children in need of books.
Kids Need to Read is fortunate to be supported by fruitful partnerships with individuals and agencies who keep the flow of books coming in, so we can keep the flow of books going out to communities where they are vitally needed. However, we need your help. Did you know Kids Need to Read never asks its beneficiaries to cover the cost of shipping their books? While there are organizations that require shipping to be paid, we know our recipients are asking for help precisely because they have no funds available to them. If a school or library has not had funds to purchase books in years, they will not have funds available to pay for $150 or more in shipping. From schools in disaster areas to Native American reservations bereft of books to libraries and other agencies reaching out to serve populations of children who often don't own a single book, Kids Need to Read has wonderful books to fulfill their needs.
Covering shipping costs is Kids Need to Read�s greatest challenge. It costs an average of $35 to send one large box of books to a receiving organization. Our gifts normally entail sending between 100 to 600 books per beneficiary, with an average of six boxes needed for each. We have hundreds of applicants awaiting books. Would you be willing to sponsor the cost of shipping at least one box of books—or more—going to children in need of literacy resources and inspiration? One box = $35. Or perhaps you would like to adopt a box of books every month by setting up a recurring contribution! Your gift may be made by clicking here. We will appreciate any amount you can spare to help us deliver brand new books to children—children who need to learn how to read and read well in order to have a chance at a bright future—because Kids Need to Read!
Volunteers Needed to Sew Reading Buddy Kits!
Kids Need to Read is in constant need of “reading buddies” for preschool and kindergarten students! What are reading buddies? They are irresistible stuffed animals, handmade or manufactured, that serve as read aloud companions for budding readers, especially those whose caregivers have difficulties helping them to read at home. This could be due to burdensome schedules, language barriers, or other challenges. Reading at home has the greatest influence on a child's future literacy skill levels. However, witnessing youngsters with their new pals makes it clear that the critters are also a great source of comfort and love.
Do you enjoy sewing? Eduprise High School donated eight huge boxes of fleece to make reading buddies. Our Yellow Bear kits can be picked up, sewn at your convenience, and then dropped off at our office upon completion. Each kit makes two bears. This simple doll is surprisingly popular, especially with the younger children.
If you would like to help, contact us and let us know how many kits you would like to make. We also accept other handmade or store bought stuffed animals. If you crochet, knit or sew, we would love to provide your handiwork to the children we serve.