United Way Distributes Literacy Kits to Help Students Prepare for Kindergarten

RICHMOND, Va. (July 20, 2023) – United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg has announced the assembly of 2,366 Literacy Kits that the nonprofit is distributing to elementary school students this summer and fall with the support of more than 170 volunteers.

United Way Literacy Kits include essential school supplies, an age-appropriate book and information for families so students can be prepared for kindergarten and reading at grade-level by third grade.

The Literacy Kits will be distributed to elementary schools in Richmond, Chesterfield, Goochland, Dinwiddie, Powhatan and United Way’s seven Kindergarten Countdown Camps.

“Early learning resources are critical in ensuring children are ready for kindergarten and reading at grade-level by third grade,” said Tiffani Beissel, Volunteer Manager at United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “These Literacy Kits will directly impact young students and their families by helping them prepare for elementary school and get excited about learning. We’re thankful to our community partners, volunteers and donors who are helping improve literacy among youth in our region.”

In addition to Literacy Kits, United Way assembled 1,200 Family Emergency Preparedness Kits, 3,100 Cards of Encouragement, 350 Personal Care Kits, 685 Snack Packs and distributed 2,779 books to 17 Little Free Library locations with the help of over 2,200 volunteers, impacting nearly 51,800 community members.

United Way recruits volunteers and accepts donations of supplies year-round to support the Literacy Kit initiative. Individuals can contribute by hosting a Literacy Kit Drive, becoming a Literacy Kit Leader, donating completed kits or by volunteering directly with United Way.

To learn more about United Way’s Literacy Kit program or to support the initiative, visit www.yourunitedway.org/volunteer/literacy-kits/.

Educators within the Metro Richmond area interested in receiving Literacy Kits for their kindergarten students in the 2023-2024 year can reach out to volunteer@yourunitedway.org. The deadline for submitting requests is August 8.