Why Volunteer
Why volunteer for Ready Readers? It is fun, energizing, and truly makes a direct impact on the low-income preschool children in our community.
and find out why YOU should volunteer!
“Hi Everyone. Today I distributed the book, ABC T-Rex, to my children at Mt. Zion Head Start and I have never seen such great reception for any book! They went crazy recognizing things in each picture that started with each letter and they just loved getting a copy with their names inside to take home. I had enough to give one to both teachers and also one to stay in the classroom. As I was leaving, the children spontaneously started singing the ABC song, so of course we three adults in the room joined in. I came home feeling as if this had been one of the richest days of my life, and believe me, I’ve had some great ones. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to share with these lovely children.”
-Ann M., Ready Reader and retired English teacher, Ladue High School
“I’ve loved my experience at Ready Readers! I started volunteering with the program the first year I came to grad school in St. Louis. I loved it so much that I’ve continued to do the program every year, even though my schedule has gotten busier and busier. I can’t seem to say no to the program because I think it’s so great. Not only is it well-managed as a volunteer organization, but you can really tell the kids and teachers benefit from your presence. I’ve enjoyed getting out of the bubble of grad school and into a St. Louis community I might not otherwise have access to. I’ve enjoyed getting to be around little kids because they give me such great perspective on life (normally, I sit in classes or read for classes all day.) I’ve also enjoyed meeting and seeing the same teachers for a while now –they’re really great people and I’ll miss this program when I graduate. I wish there was a Ready Readers program in every city in the U.S. because then I could just volunteer no matter where I end up for work!”
-Ready Reader and graduate student, St. Louis University
“I just love being with young children, seeing their enthusiasm for the stories, watching them mature in attention span and ability to anticipate the stories, ask questions, understand the concepts. I love their comments and reactions to the stories. I’m amazed and gratified, every year, to see the progress the children make as the year goes on. I also enjoy the challenge of finding books that “click” and discovering ways to read them that engage the children’s attention.”
Gloria B., Volunteer Reader
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