The new picture book, We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga, introduces the concept Otsaliheliga, the Cherokee Nation's word for gratitude, and how they express their gratitude throughout the year. As many of us will be gathering with family and friends to give thanks this week, I would be remiss if I did not let you know how grateful I am for YOU.
R.E.A.D. quietly celebrated its first birthday in the midst of hosting our first book fair. What a year it has been! We will be compiling a more formal report to be released in January, but I thought I would share with you a glimpse of our activities this year.
- * 74 children from 51 families enrolled in R.E.A.D. My Stories, our
- monthly book-a-month program (we are working daily to enroll
- more);
- * 400 new, quality, culturally relevant books given to low-income
- children;
- * 5 R.E.A.D. Family Stories family reading playgroups conducted;
- * 16 R.E.A.D. Books pop-ups plus 1 school book fair, featuring
- "mirrors and windows" books to promote affirmation and empathy among all readers;
- * sold almost 900 books via R.E.A.D. Books;
- * 4 community partners: AHC, Inc, APAH, APS Early Childhood Office,
- Second Story
- * 2 social media campaigns:
- #SummerSwing #READBooksBuildBridges
- * 1 baby registry; and
- * 1 community presentation.
None of the above would have been possible without YOU! You have given donations, bought books, hosted pop-ups, volunteered your time, and cheered us on every step of the way.
We Are Grateful! Otsaliheliga!
Jennifer Sauter-Price, Founder/Executive Director and the R.E.A.D. Board
