IMAGINE A WORLD IN WHICH ALL CHILDREN SEE THEMSELVES IN THE PAGES OF A BOOK!

Join in on this volunteer experience designed to encourage young readers during Humana’s Month of Impact!

Humana’s Month of Impact campaign runs from August 21st – September 21st and is a focused time where we can come together to give back to our communities in a big, unprecedented way. When we say big, we mean BIG! Humana’s goal is to provide $10 Million in community impact in a single month through volunteerism and giving, including a special double match from the Humana Foundation throughout the campaign.

If you participate in the experience on this page, here are a few reminders:

  • Don’t forget to track your volunteer time here and list Metro United Way as the cause.
  • If you make a contribution to Metro United Way to purchase books for their Little Free Libraries, save your donation receipt and submit a request for a special double match from the Humana Foundation, now through September 21st.

WHY BOOKS? 

At Metro United Way (MUW), we know access to books is a leading indicator of a child’s success in school. We also know that when children see themselves reflected in books, it shows them that there is value in all aspects of their identity – including attributes related to race and culture.

Little Free Libraries are book–sharing boxes that provide 24/7 access to free books for individuals and families. MUW has a network of 40 Little Free Libraries that are restocked biweekly with donated books. MUW does not always have control over what donated books we receive, so we have to be intentional about diversity and representation. That is why MUW is partnering with Humana during the Month of Impact to purchase and distribute critically acclaimed and age-appropriate books written by and for people of color.

We invite you to purchase a book for our Little Free Libraries at the bottom of this page – CLICK HERE.

WHY A NOTE?  

Receiving a book is a powerful thing, but it is even more so when coupled with an encouraging note from someone who cares. These notes create a personal connection to young readers and inspire them to read that book again and again. That is why, in addition to helping us purchase a book, we ask for you to take the time to write a note! You can submit your “Dear Reader” notes below, and each note will be printed onto a label and affixed to a donated book.

Project Instructions:

Step One: In the box below, write a “Dear Reader” note to the young reader who chooses this book from the Little Free Library. Be creative and have fun writing your notes – they can include your favorite inspirational quote, a word of advice, a simple joke/riddle, or kind words of encouragement. (We want the notes to be inclusive, so please do not include religious messaging.)

Example messages include:

  • Knowledge is power! As long as you keep reading and learning, nothing can stop you!
  • “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
  • Readers are achievers! You are a future leader, and our community is proud of you!

Step Two: Submit five (5) “Dear Reader” notes for us to place on books going out into the community. Please make sure each message is unique. You can submit this form more than once with additional notes.

Thank you for the support of this project and thank YOU for taking the time to encourage reading and brighten a child’s day!

 

YOU CAN HELP US FILL A LIBRARY THIS MONTH BY PURCHASING A BOOK BELOW

The average book price on our list is $10. We will be purchasing the books below and similar titles:

  • Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
  • Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World
  • Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
  • Ordinary People Change the World: I am Harriet Tubman
  • Ordinary People Change the World: I am Rosa Parks
  • Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
  • Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different

Together, we can ensure that every child sees themselves in the pages of a book!

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