Read Evansville brings together community organizations to provide books for students
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In an effort to distribute books to local families, Read Evansville has joined forces with Feed Evansville for a community-wide project.
The two organizations, along with other volunteers and youth-serving agencies, have combined their resources to ensure students avoid learning loss this summer.
Research shows summer is the time when many students experience learning loss. And with most summer camps canceled and resources limited due to COVID-19, community leaders fear students could be impacted even more this year.
"Sometimes families in need don't have books in their homes like others do," said Lana Burton, a retired Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. educator, "so we're trying to figure out how we can level the playing field for boys and girls."
After Burton expressed her concerns with Patricia Weinzapfel, the EVSC executive director of community schools and family engagement, the two decided to organize the program.
Weinzapfel said Read Evansville will look to distribute 1,000 books a week over the summer to students in all age groups and reading levels. Volunteers will also include books in the food baskets, lunch sacks and grocery boxes they hand out now and through the summer at "grab and go" locations.
Each of the books will have a signed message of encouragement, along with a reading tip for parents tucked inside every book.
"It's a collaborative effort, and that's what makes it so exciting," Weinzapfel said.
So far, the group has distributed books through the YMCA and Dream Center, but Weinzapfel said Read Evansville is looking to ramp up its outreach throughout the summer.
The organization will focus on giving away books throughout summer and hold interactive programs with community partners in July.
Programs such as virtual book clubs, activities and read-a-longs will be provided by other collaborating partners in including the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, YMCA, Dream Center, YWCA and other organizations.
EVSC, EVSC Foundation, Junior League of Evansville, Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville, Carver Community Organization, Young and Established, Boys and Girls Club and Barnes and Noble will also have a hand in the project.
"I credit this community," Weinzapfel said. "In this collaborative community everybody works together to help children and families. It's just remarkable and makes me thankful I live here."
Burton said she thinks the initiative will gain more traction and funding as they continue their work and to get the word out.
"I'm a dreamer, and I think everything can happen like yesterday," she said.
The program has applied for grants and held fundraisers to cover the cost of books. Last week, the group held an online Barnes and Noble book fair, with proceeds going directly to the Read Evansville project.
"I'm confident our community will step up; that's just what we do," Weinzapfel said.
To make a donation, visit the EVSC Foundation website. Gifts can also be mailed to 951 Walnut St., Evansville, Indiana 47713 with "Read Evansville" in the memo line.
For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit the Read Evansville Facebook page at facebook.com/Read-Evansville-115969816762702/.