All District Reads depends on volunteers to make our programs run. Volunteers label and distribute books, record readings of book chapters, and provide financial support. But for as much as volunteers put into the program, many report getting even more back from their participation. Here are two recent stories.
William Rice, an incoming student at Eastern Virginia Medical School, ran into All District Reads program founder Gary Anderson at a local YMCA in August 2023, and the two struck up a conversation. Intrigued by what Gary told him about the program, Rice asked how he could get involved. He soon found himself reading the names of quiz winners on the morning announcements at W.H. Taylor Elementary School in Norfolk.
Rice noted that being back in an elementary school for the first time in 15 years was “pure nostalgia,” adding, “best of all was seeing the excitement on the students’ faces when they came down to the library to claim their prize for winning the week one quiz.”
Rice soon became even more involved at W.H. Taylor. He and several other medical students participated in the school’s career day, showing off stethoscopes, reflex hammers, and other medical tools. “All thanks to Gary and All District Reads for giving me the opportunity to feel more ingrained in my new community,” Rice said. “While the primary mission of All District Reads is to help bridge the literacy gap in elementary schools, they also help volunteers forge meaningful connections through service.”
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At a recent book labeling event at Smartmouth Brewing Co., a mother who was attending with her rising third grader described how much her family loved the All District Reads program. She said that a letter from the teacher to the student in the book Frindle led to a great discussion with her son. She added that her family got so much out of reading Frindle and is really excited about reading School Days According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney this fall. When she saw the notice about the book labeling event on Facebook, she immediately knew she wanted to help out.