Thanks to the 511 volunteers who came out to read to 1,440 kids at our October "Halloween, Mysteries, and Magic" Reading Clubs on October 11th! This month we broke the record for number of volunteers AND number of parents at the reading clubs, and we had the second largest student attendance in Reading to Kids history!
Special thanks to all of our volunteer magicians:
Alta Loma: David Cotelessa,
Esperanza: Matthew Bakal & Danny Passman
Gratts: "Pun" aka Mark Maxwell-Smith
Hoover: Jessie Altimirano
Los Angeles: Jim Richardson
Magnolia: Raul Fernandez
Politi: Frank Padilla
White: Robert De la Guerra
Here's what some of our volunteers are saying:
"I look forward to it every month, it's a wonderful program."
-Jason Rinka, Alta Loma Volunteer
"I'd been looking for a program to read to children so imagine my surprise when I found such a remarkable organization filled with positivity, purpose and love. I think this program should be in every school district across America. Thank you!"
Janelle Connor, Alta Loma Volunteer
"Reading to Kids is a great experience for both the kids and the volunteers, it is awesome!"
-Ramon Roullard, Esperanza Volunteer
"I have very little experience with children, but wanted to volunteer in the community. When this opportunity came my way, I figured I'd give it a try. After my first reading group I was so enthused I went back to my college- Whittier College- and am now in the process of getting greater support for this important organization from the students here on campus. I am so glad I went, I had a smile for the rest of day!"
-Jennice Ontiveros, Esperanza Volunteer
"A child asked me to draw a bat. We worked on it for 20 minutes, cut it out, and it actually flew a little. Success is sweeeeeet!"
-Damon Dunbar, Gratts Volunteer
"Since I was really young my mother ran a day care center from our home. I hadn't been around children since going away to college and moving to LA. In my first weekend volunteering with Reading to Kids, I now remember the joy that comes with having children in our lives."
-Joelly Mejia, Los Angeles Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
"It really is such a rewarding experience every time which keeps me coming back."
-Winne Liu, White Volunteer
"My work schedule has had me working 7 days a week recently. I specifically set some time aside Saturday morning to participate in Reading To Kids, and it helped to wake me up and refocus myself in other endeavors."
-Andrew Pettit, Politi Volunteer
