UNITED WE READ is a campaign dedicated to providing the tools and resources for young children to read at grade-level by the start of fourth grade brought to you by United Way and its partners.
We know that reading is an essential tool for success in school, work and life. Research tells us that reading proficiently by the start of fourth grade an important predictor of high school graduation and career success. Yet only 40 percent of fourth graders in Oklahoma are meeting this crucial milestone.
United WE READ has partnered with our school systems, municipalities and local business & volunteers to ensure our children are learning to read and then reading to learn!
Get Involved:
For parents and caregivers:
• Read with your child for 20 minutes a day.
• Talk and sing to your child starting at birth to help build their vocabulary.
• Ensure that school age children are attending everyday (in-person or virtually).
• Connect your children with quality early learning and out of school time programs.
• Enroll in Dolly Parton Imagination Library to receive FREE books that will be mailed to you at home.
Why is reading to kids important?
- Reading helps kids develop not only language skills, but other brain functions like emotional regulation.
- Hearing stories helps spark kids' curiosity and imagination, building positive feelings about reading.
- When adults model good reading habits, kids are more likely to become lifelong readers.
UNITED WE READ-- Fun Walk and Early Literacy Book Drive
Saturday April 5, 2025---10AM- NOON
Place:
Description:
Join United Way in our United We Read Fun Walk & Book Drive.
Beginning April 5th, the “United We Read” project will be an effort aimed at helping to promote and encourage reading and literacy across Kay County. The project is coordinated by the United Way of North Central Oklahoma in partnership with Community Health Foundation of Kay County, Healthy Living Coalition, Phillips 66 and OU of Kay County.
1. Community members are asked to donate slightly used fiction or nonfiction books – either paperback or hardcover – they no longer want or need. Donors should not bring magazines, used activity books or reference books such as encyclopedias or college textbooks.
2. Host a book drive within your company or community organization.
Contact info@uwnco.org
3. Collection bins for book donations will be placed at the following locations:
4: Donors can make monetary donations on our website: DONATE TODAY! | United Way of North Central Oklahoma
Thank you for your support!
Volunteer: United Way Readers Program
Join us April 30th for United We Read; a new volunteer event that helps kids build a love of reading. We're looking for volunteers to read to elementary school students.
Sign up below!
