As we enter the final month of 2024, I’m reflecting on the past six months in my role as Executive Director of Lead to Read KC. On my first day back in May, my oldest daughter sweetly asked me what I was most excited about. I told her the truth: I was excited to help make Kansas City the most literate city in the nation.
When she followed up with “Why?” (her favorite question) I summed it up by saying, “because a more literate city is a more loving city, and we all deserve that.”
That vision of a more loving, connected Kansas City is why so many of you support Lead to Read KC. You are an essential part of this story as we work toward a future where literacy is the foundation for a thriving Kansas City.
Already this year, we’ve made incredible strides, and as we head into the holiday season, I’m so proud of what has been accomplished:
- Over 1,550 Reading Mentors bring joy and inspiration to students weekly.
- Nearly 1,400 students work with trained reading tutors each week, receiving the high-dose support that drives literacy success.
- Author visits planned for 90 classrooms will connect students with local storytellers, sparking creativity and curiosity.
- 3,000 books are distributed each month through 70 community sites via the Reading is Everywhere program.
- Read for 15, launched with the 15 and Mahomies Foundation, encourages daily reading habits across Kansas City classrooms.
These milestones are a testament to what’s possible when Kansas City comes together to invest in our students. But they also remind us why our work is so crucial: only 1 in 5 students in Kansas City is reading on grade level. We know that when Kansas City reads, Kansas City grows, and together we can ensure every child has the literacy skills to thrive.
This Giving Tuesday, and beyond, will you help Lead to Read KC start 2025 stronger? Your donation will make an impact so we can reach even more students and volunteers:
- $4,000 supports Lead to Read’s tutoring program at one school for an entire year.
- $1,000 expands our programs to reach 150 more students.
- $250 helps build a classroom library.
- $100 covers the cost of a local author visit to a classroom.
- $50 provides two sets of sight words for one classroom.
- $25 ensures a student receives a brand-new book of their choice.
Every contribution helps turn the page toward a more literate Kansas City. Thank you for believing in our mission, in our kids, and in our city. I’m eternally grateful for you and the good work we do together.
Rhea Muchalla LeGrande
Executive Director
Lead to Read KC