Dr. Bailey’s program serves primarily Spanish-speaking children, and one little girl stands out in his memory.

“Last year, this first-grade girl received her RIF books and you could tell reading in English was a challenge for her. Well, she spent all summer with her RIF books. This fall, she sought me out at her RIF distribution. She said, ‘Can I read this one to you?’ And she read like she never had any problems. The transformation was remarkable. She was so proud of her progress.”

Were it not for Dr. Bailey – and the kindness of strangers – that may have been her last book.

With the loss of a federal grant that supplied books to Dr. Bailey’s program each year, it looked like that distribution was the school’s last. But Dr. Bailey wasn’t going without a fight.

“I called the local media and talked to them about what we’d been doing for the last almost two decades, about how children who didn’t have books at home were being given books through RIF,” he explained. “We got a great write-up in the local paper. It wasn’t long until I heard from a couple in town who clearly understand the value of books in a child’s life. They asked how much it would take to keep the program running. And they wrote a check.”

Dr. Bailey, who is a Professor of Education at Pacific University, then worked with the university to set up a fund for the program. Some of his colleagues also donated, with one fellow faculty member setting up a monthly donation.

“The community of Forest Grove Oregon really rallied behind us,” said Dr. Bailey. “It’s always been about supporting children’s literacy. To place a book in a child’s hands, it can change their lives.”

Interested in supporting Reading Is Fundamental through monthly donations? Visit www.rif.org/monthly.

Photo Source: Michal Thompson/Forest Grove Leader

Books are more than words on a page. For kids, they can be keys not only to a world of possibilities but they can bring them closer to their own world.

Sara Massey knows this. One of her most memorable moments was reading to two little girls – maybe 6- or 7 years old. Storytime was a luxury for them and they likely didn’t have books at home until RIF entered their lives.

As she began to read to them, one snuggled up close to her and Sara remarked, “Wow, you really like to cuddle, don’t you?” The girls looked back at her and asked, “What’s ‘cuddle?’”

For Sara, that moment represented the importance of reading and books – the power of books in people’s lives.

Inspired by this interaction, Sara created reading events that bringing parents, children, and teachers together—often for the first time.

She told RIF that in each school where these programs were held, the schools continued them every year since because it was so enriching.  

As the President of Communities in Schools in Greater New Orleans, Sara was there in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She took on the incredible challenge of replacing the books lost to the devastation.

With the help of RIF, Sara provided thousands of high-quality, brand new books to the children she serves. Sara goes to work every day knowing she has a chance to add value in a child’s life.

What an awesome outlook on life, Sara. Congratulations on being chosen as one of RIF’s 2013 Volunteers of the Year.

Linda and two other award recipients — Kay Gooch of Austin and Linda Placzek of Omaha— will receive their awards May 9, 2013, at RIF’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Gala Celebration. 

Photo Source: Tulane Public Relations 

And if you’re struggling with finding that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, consider giving to RIF in your sweetheart’s name. There’s nothing like the warm fuzzies they’ll get when they realize they’ve helped a child in need get their very own book.

Fairy in Danger

Phew! Fairy doctors really come in handy, don’t they? So glad you liked your book, Katie. We’re also big fans of your fairy drawing.

The Great Outdoors

Gracie, we dig funny books — like Piper Reed, Campfire Girl – too. And even though Piper does get poison ivy, we’re rooting for her right along with you. Marshmallows anybody?

Like Honest Abe

Wow, Kaimi, hearts are melting here. You just filled our bucket.

Reading Rainbow

Madeline, we couldn’t have said it any better—we think books are pretty cool too, not to mention your rainbow.

Daredevil

Javier, you’re welcome – and that’s quite an illustration! Just remember to wear a helmet, OK?

The Dinosaur Lover

Nia, Tyrannosaurus Dad is a great book, isn’t it? We just love how appreciative you are. Keep on reading kiddo!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Book People. Now let’s spread the book love.

From commutes to appointments to honey-do lists and housekeeping to family time and friends time, we all have busy lives. And that’s just a slice of life.

Here’s a snapshot of what life looks like at RIF National. Just a few highlights from the last couple of weeks …

• Helping more than 400 children and their military parents at Fort Bragg make videos of mom or dad reading aloud before they deploy to Afghanistan.
• Hosting 1,000 children, plus their parents, for a reading celebration for low-income families at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk.
• Giving more than 1,000 families living in poverty in the Des Moines area a similar first-time, free trip to the Science Center of Iowa. And providing food to take home for the weekend, a luxury for many of them.

Plus, sending all 2,400 children home with free books and reading activities to keep the magic of books alive beyond these experiences.

For 45 years, we’ve been putting books in the hands of kids who need them most. But we do much more than that.

We’ve helped school libraries ravaged by storms build back their book collections. We’ve given tools to bilingual families helping their children learn to read. We’ve provided curriculum for teachers to use in the classroom and activities for families to use at home.

We truly believe in the power of books. And we believe that we can make just about anything happen when Book People Unite.

Take the pledge and we’ll keep you posted on all of RIF’s major life events.