Read-a-Thon Program Helps Schools Across the Country Raise Funds and Free Books!

www.yourkidsbookstore.com, in conjunction with Usborne Books, offers schools an exceptional read-a-thon program called "Reach for the Stars!!"

(PRWEB) August 10, 2004 -- Usborne Books and www.yourkidsbookstore.com offer schools an exceptional read-a-thon program called "Reach for the Stars!!" Schools across the country are taking advantage of this unique program to raise free books and/or cash. Nadette Waligore, of Isnati, MN, says, "Our first 'Reach for the Stars!!' event raised $10,281 in pledges - with 192 students participating! So, books worth $6,169 were given to the library, and books worth $5,140 were given back to the participants! It didn't cost the school a dime, and the students are reading! Now that's a WIN-WIN situation!"
     "That's our goal," says web site owner Jennifer Wolf. "We want to encourage our children to read, on a daily basis, just for fun. With this program, we're rewarding reading with books and cash for our schools."
     Participants commit to reading every day for 10-30 minutes (depending on their age) over a three-week period. In the meantime, they collect pledges from family and friends in support of their goal. The school or organization then receives up to 110% of the pledges in free books, or a combination of books and cash. "We choose three-weeks because it takes 21 days to develop a habit, and we want reading at home to be routine!"
     "Reach for the Stars!!" is a reading incentive program that works for schools, daycares, and preschools, as well as Homeschooling groups and other organizations. Wolf notes, "We'll run the program for any group that wants to encourage reading and take advantage of the exceptional books Usborne has to offer." Her favorite series is the Internet-Linked books because they encourage students to go beyond the text and engage in safe, interactive activiites online.
     In addition to raising funds for their own programs, some schools and organizations use "Reach for the Stars!!" to donate money or free books to a charity. "I've done events for Mom's Clubs and after-school organizations. Teaching our students the value of giving is so important. With 'Reach for the Stars!!,' we can give them the love of reading, and help them GIVE books to needy children...There are many ways to incorporate this program. It's pretty flexible."
     For more information, visit www.yourkidsbookstore.com and click on "Fundraisers."

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