Who
Are We?
Read Now is an all volunteer project designed to bring books
and provide volunteer readers for disadvantaged young children. Our major target group is pre-school children in and around
Paterson. We are affiliated with Children’s
Aid and Family Services. For several months, a small group has been working researching literacy programs both locally and
nationally.
Our initial work has included finding sources of books and places where we can distribute books and read to children. We
are now ready to expand our services.
In The Beginning We Partnered with
Other Groups:
Volunteered in the Paterson Library’s “Let’s Read”
program. 2 to 6 year old children came with their parents. We read with the children and presented each regular participant
with a new book at the end of the 12 week session. The books were provided by FirstBook, a national non-profit book distribution
program.
Read and distributed books at a Family Book Fair at St Paul’s Community Development
Corporation. These were used books donated by members of our group.
Participated in Jumpstart’s Read for
the Record program. This was a national one day effort to read the same book to as many children as possible nationwide. The
book was The Little Engine that Could, and we were able to read to 32 children at 2 sites. The children received a
copy of the book to keep.
We have now expanded
and now read and distrubute books in Paterson, Englewood, Hackensack, Passaic and Teaneck.
Volunteers are the life blood of Read Now!
Starting with a small group of women, the volunteer pool now includes men, teenagers, a college student and a family. There
are also non-reading jobs, such as book distribution, book procurement and publicity.
What Do We Need?
There is no question about the need! We are seeking to reach as many disadvantaged youngsters as possible,
reading to them and/or giving them books to keep.
Volunteers!!!
Books – Although our shelves are full, there is a continuing need, especially books for very young children,
most of all board books. Specific needs arise from time to time.
Your interest and support!
Please Contact Us:
Lolly Burgin,
Project Director, 201-445-3176, e-mail mab1957@optonline.net
