The Gift of Literacy

“Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.”- Fredrick Douglass 

This summer Marty Schwartz, a long time Books Are Wings volunteer and retired elementary school teacher, joined the Books Are Wings staff in weekly read alouds and book distributions in Jenks Park. The program was part of the Central Falls Free Summer Meal Program that serves free breakfast and lunch to children 7 days a week. Thanks to the support of donors like you, Books Are Wings was able to join the summer camp program and give 2,000 free books to children.

We quickly learned that giving books is not only changing the lives of children, but also changing the trajectory of families, communities and ourselves. Marty told us:

“A man and a 7 year old girl approached the table and she shyly began looking through books to make her choice. He asked if he could also choose a book because ‘We read together every morning.’ I said, ‘Of course – that’s wonderful!’ The girl said that he was her uncle, and is using children’s books in order to learn English. So I gave him a Frog & Toad and a Little Bear and explained that I read both aloud many, many times to my own son. He was grateful; but in truth, I am grateful to have these encounters.”

Your support of Books Are Wings makes moments like these possible. I invite you to join us in bettering the lives of Rhode Island children and families this holiday season through the Gift of Literacy Campaign.

The Gift of Literacy Campaign provides essential funds for programs that build children’s opportunity, desire and passion to read. Thanks to the incredible efforts of donors like you, last year’s campaign raised $14,000 and put 10,000 books into the homes of Rhode Island children. I believe we can do even more this year.

Will you help put 12,000 free books in the hands of children this holiday season?

Between November 1- December 31, your financial contribution will help give free books to children in Central Falls, Pawtucket and Providence schools; Connecting for Children & Families Woonsocket, The Pawtucket Buy Nothing Coat Swap, The West Warwick Tree Lighting Ceremony and 11 Book Spot locations.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN: Click Here to find out how!