The United States is facing a literacy crisis. According to the U.S. Department of Education, in 2013, U.S. adults ages 16-65 scored below the international average on an assessment of adult competencies. In fact, the United States ranked near the bottom. Literacy issues impact kids, the economy, and society as a whole. Lower literacy can lead to lower earnings, poorer health, and higher rates of incarceration. Moreover, these literacy issues have the power to pass along to future generations. As a result, these future generations will suffer even harsher realities given their lack of literacy. Charity Charms was happy to collaborate with Kids Need to Read on a series of charity bracelets to promote their cause.

GivingBands: Vibrant, Eye-Catching Charity Bracelets

Kids Need to Read has such an important mission, we knew we had to be involved in their mission. In order to raise money for new books, Kids Need to Read decided to create a series of charity bracelets to sell and give out at local events. We knew our GivingBands were the perfect solution for them. We chose 5 brightly colored GivingBands that are not only fun but are eye-catching as well. Choosing bright colors was important for a couple of reasons. First, at events, there is often a wide variety of merchandise to look at, and bright colors will draw the eye in giving them more exposure. Second, the colors are vibrant just like children and their personalities are.

Kids Need to Read chose 5 of our symbol charms and designated them with specific meaning to their cause. They used a heart to symbolize a love of reading that is passed on to a child thru their programs. Next is a hand because supporters are giving kids a hand with literacy. There is also a lock symbolizing unlocking the power of reading, and a key because reading is the key to a good future. Finally, a world charm symbolizing that reading provides a world of learning to children. Each GivingBand also featured a Kids Need to Read bead. The GivingBands charity bracelets became available for purchase during Phoenix Comic Fest (formerly Phoenix Comic Con) and were also put to good use as icebreakers at an event during the Fest. The purchase of each GivingBand provided a new book to a child in need.

“We sold the bracelets at our booth at Comicon, and we also did some fun giveaways at Drinks With Creators, where our emcee teased attendees to come up and do things for a free bracelet, such as give her a hug. They were great for breaking the ice and bringing some fun to the event.” – Denise Gary, Executive Director of Kids Need To Read

Photo by Bruce Matsunaga

On a Mission to Improve the Lives of Children

In 2008, PJ Haarsma, Denise Gary, and Nathan Fillion founded Kids Need to Read. Kids Need to Read provides inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the country. Specifically, those that benefit underprivileged children. Kids Need to Read quickly became the only organization regularly providing books to both teens and children. What once began as a book for each recipient eventually grew to help thousands. As a result, they have been recognized for their hard work and positive impact on the lives of children.

Kids Need to Read aims to increase literacy rates meanwhile decreasing the drop out rate across the United States. This is done with attention to three factors which often limit literacy skills. These factors are the availability of resources, level of parental engagement, and reducing the effects of the “summer slide.” Kids Need to Read teaches children the positive impact reading can have on every aspect of their lives. First, it ignites their imagination and allows children to see the world from different perspectives. Second, it builds confidence which children can then carry into the future. Confidence is key when it comes to success in school and their future lives so a strong foundation is essential.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” – Jacqueline Kennedy

Literacy is Learned 

Literacy rates vary greatly between racial and socio-economic groups. Consequently, this can often leave minorities roughly 2 to 3 years behind other students of the same age. Kids Need to Read believe all children and teens should have access to quality books no matter their race or economic status. They have a passion to improve the lives of disadvantaged children because they believe, above all, literacy rates contribute to success in school. Furthermore, improved literacy can help children later in life. Not to mention it builds and nurtures a strong support system for children which they could be lacking in their lives.

Surprisingly, 32.4 million American children go without books despite how crucial they are to a child and their success. However, we have the power to change that through programs like Kids Need to Read. There are many options to support Kids Need to read. Whether you want to donate your time, money, or books, check out their website for ways to help.

As can be seen, Kids Need to Read is an important cause. Their GivingBands were a wonderful, fun way to spread their mission and gain more supporters at a very popular event. Charity bracelets serve as a constant reminder of the great work your organization is doing for the community and the world. It spreads your message and helps you gain supporters especially at large events like Phoenix Comicon!

Photo by Bruce Matsunaga