Inspiring a Love of Reading
READ UNITED brings volunteers into local classrooms to share the joy of reading with elementary students. By pairing community members with young learners, the program helps children build literacy skills, discover the power of books, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. With the support of dedicated volunteers and strong partnerships with schools, READ UNITED is opening doors of youth opportunity and writing a brighter future for every child.
In 2024, READ UNITED volunteers made a powerful impact across our community. With the help of 201 dedicated volunteers, students experienced more than 804 hours of reading time in 213 classrooms. Together, we reached children in six school systems across three counties, spreading the joy of reading and building stronger foundations for lifelong learning.
In the short video testimonial below, READ UNITED volunteer Mariana Reyes shares why she chose to get involved and how simple it is to give just 30 minutes a week. Her story highlights the lasting impact volunteering has on both students and readers, and reminds us that sharing your time, experiences, and love of books can truly change a child’s future.
BE A READING HERO,
VOLUNTEER WITH READ UNITED
Want to make a difference in just 30 minutes a week? Join us as a READ UNITED volunteer! You’ll step into a K–2nd grade classroom in Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble, or Steuben County to read a book, share your experiences, and inspire young learners to discover the joy of reading. Your time not only builds literacy but also strengthens Youth Opportunity, helping children gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. It’s a simple, rewarding way to give back—and the impact lasts a lifetime.
FALL READ UNITED DATES:
Elkhart Community Schools, starts the week of Nov. 2nd
• Kickoff lunch and book pick up: Wednesday, Oct. 21st at Noon at Crossroads United Way
Lakeland Primary, starts the week of Oct. 19th
• Kickoff lunch and book pick up: Wednesday, Oct. 14th at Noon at Linders Tavern
Westview Schools (Meadowview, Shipshewana Scott, Topeka Elementaries) starts week of Nov. 2nd
• Kickoff lunch and book pick up: Brickhouse Coffee & Kitchen, Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 9am
West Noble Elementary, starts week of Oct. 26th
• Kickoff and book pick up: October 15th at 8:30am at Grounded Coffee
FUEL THE LOVE OF READING: BECOME A SPONSOR
Help us open the doors of youth opportunity for children in our community by becoming a Read United sponsor. Your support makes it possible to bring volunteers into classrooms, provide books and resources, and inspire a lifelong love of reading for students in our communities. As a sponsor, you’ll not only invest in literacy and youth success, but you’ll also be recognized as a community leader committed to building brighter futures—one page at a time.