United We Read is a signature literacy initiative led by the United Way of the Concho Valley, designed to inspire a love of reading and support early childhood education throughout the region. This impactful program brings volunteers, educators, and community leaders together with one shared goal: to improve literacy rates and help young children build the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and life.
Held annually, United We Read takes place in elementary schools across the Concho Valley, where volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud to students and distribute age-appropriate books for children to take home. This simple yet powerful act promotes literacy, sparks imagination, and encourages a culture of reading within families and communities.
The importance of early literacy cannot be overstated — children who read proficiently by third grade are far more likely to graduate from high school and achieve long-term success. United We Read addresses this critical need by placing books directly into the hands of children, especially those in underserved areas, and by showing them that reading can be fun, engaging, and life-changing.
In addition to the classroom reading experience, the initiative often includes themed events, guest readers from the community, and partnerships with local organizations and schools. These collaborative efforts help create a supportive environment where reading is celebrated and prioritized.
Through United We Read, the United Way of the Concho Valley continues to champion education and build brighter futures for the next generation. By investing in early literacy today, the program helps create a ripple effect of opportunity, confidence, and hope that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether you're a volunteer, educator, parent, or donor, participating in United We Read is a meaningful way to make a lasting difference — one book, one child, one story at a time.
Volunteer Registration will be available at a date closer to the event.