Tag: Support

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An Epic donation

Reach Out and Read (ROR) Wisconsin recently received more than 1,200 books thanks to Epic’s annual book drive in Madison. Our staff will distribute these new and gently-used books across Wisconsin as we travel to clinics for site visits. This is Epic’s fourth annual book drive to benefit ROR Wisconsin.

The new books will be prescribed and given to children by their medical provider at well-child visits from 6 months to 5 years. The gently-used books will help clinics expand their literacy-rich environment as they can be kept in waiting areas or exam rooms for families to enjoy while they are waiting to see the provider. Gently-used books can also be used to supplement the new books and they make great gifts for older siblings who visit the clinic with a ROR-aged brother or sister.

If you are interested in hosting a book drive for a ROR Wisconsin clinic near you, please contact Alex Rogers at arogers@chw.org or (608) 442-4175. Clinics accept books for kids of all ages, but we do ask that you screen donated books before dropping them off at a clinic. Please use our book guidelines when screening and sorting donations.

We would like to thank book drive coordinators Kate Parr and Adrienne Kiser and all the generous Epic employees who donated books. ROR Wisconsin is very grateful for our continued partnership with Epic and we know our clinics and families appreciate these books.

Two Epic employees with their donation of books to Reach Out and Read Wisconsin
Thank you Epic employees for your generous donation to ROR Wisconsin!
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How to support literacy in Wisconsin

Whether you choose to support a literacy organization or donate your gently-used books, there are plenty of opportunities to promote literacy and a love of reading to last a lifetime. Check out this list for ideas to get involved in Wisconsin.

Volunteer:

  • Adult literacy: Use Wisconsin Literacy’s map to contact a program near you and become an adult literacy tutor. Tutors are needed to assist adult basic education learners, GED preparation and English language learners.
Wisconsin Literacy's regional map
Wisconsin Literacy’s regional map

 

  • Early literacy: This list can help you find a Reach Out and Read program in your county. Contact your local clinic and ask what volunteer opportunities are available.  

Volunteers can assist clinic staff with:

  • Book ordering, sorting and labeling
  • Hosting a fundraising event in your community to raise money for the clinic’s new book purchases for well-child visits ages 6 months to 5 years
  • Organizing a book drive to collect gently-used books appropriate for any age
    • Our book guidelines provide helpful tips about which types of books are acceptable
    • Collaborate with schools, churches, community groups and workplaces
  • Help create a literacy-rich environment by donating:
    • New bookcases or child-sized furniture (benches, tables, chairs)
    • A story time rug
    • Children’s or parenting magazines
    • Bulletin boards or other displays
  • Become a volunteer reader
    • Keep in mind not all clinics can accommodate volunteer readers and there may be an extensive volunteer screening process

 

  • Offer to read aloud at your child’s school or at the local library. Not only will you get to spend more quality time with them but you will also help their peers succeed too.
    Kids in library setting with books
    Volunteer with kids and help them learn important literacy skills

    Advocate for literacy:

  • Even though it may not be an election year, contacting your state and federal representative to talk about the importance of literacy is always relevant.
    • To find your representative, enter your address using this tool
    • For data specific to your county or region contact our office

Donate:

  • Looking to declutter? Give your much loved gently-used books to a friend, a child or a Little Free Library
Little Free Library near Milwaukee, WI
Little Free Library
  • If you live near Madison, WI the Madison Reading Project accepts book donations for children and teens. They share these books with non-profits, social workers, schools and shelters.

Do you support literacy in other ways? Comment below with your ideas. 

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