Partners in Outreach, a volunteer-run nonprofit that serves children and families throughout Chester County, began years ago with the collection of new and gently used clothing for the St. Agnes Day Room in West Chester.

Back then, scores of people loved this opportunity to give to their community in such a simple and meaningful way, and as a result, the organization has grown exponentially in the decade since it became a registered charity.

Partners in Outreach is now celebrating its 10th anniversary of forming partnerships with organizations and individuals in order to support programs that involve literacy, holiday and cultural expression, and summer camp.

“So many people and organizations look for opportunities to serve the community and give back in some capacity, and our mission is to provide service and service opportunities to those who need it,” said Board President Maryanne Parsons. “We all benefit from the chance to help others. Sometimes, the simplest things bring the greatest joy, and we try to offer various levels of volunteering.”

The organization invites you to join it from the comfort of your home as it hosts the Eighth Annual Laughs 4 Literacy on Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 PM. This year’s event will be livestreamed to raise funds to provide clothing, books, and tutoring to children in the community.

“We distribute thousands of new books each year and supplement that effort with a classroom reading program and individualized tutoring for struggling young readers,” said Parsons.

Kevin Reilly, a motivational speaker and former Philadelphia Eagle, will emcee the fundraiser, which will also feature three comedians – Leighann Lord, Mick Thomas, and Chris Roach – from New York City, as well as an auction and raffle.

Every donation of $100 (the price of a ticket at past Laughs 4 Literacy events) gains entry into a drawing for door prizes, which include a diamond necklace from Kaplans Fine Jewelry, pair of roundtrip airline tickets, restaurant gift cards totaling $450, and a $100 basket full of lottery tickets.

“Partners in Outreach has grown from serving a few hundred children in one organization to serving more than 4,000 children in 30-plus organizations,” said Parsons. “Even through a pandemic, we were able to provide 1,500 new outfits and 1,300 Easter baskets to children throughout our community and surrounding areas.”

In addition to these projects, Partners in Outreach has been providing new swimsuits, towels, flip-flops, water bottles, and bags to hundreds of children who attend subsidized summer camps and swimming lessons each year.

Click here to register for Laughs 4 Literacy or to learn more about Partners in Outreach.