Partners in Outreach (PIO) has reignited its classroom reading program and partnered with KPMG to provide books to children in need.
After a hiatus during and after COVID-19 due to restrictions, the organization is thrilled to resume its efforts in Chester County Title 1 Schools. In April, PIO conducted a school-wide reading initiative at East Fallowfield Elementary, distributing over 500 new and age-appropriate books. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces were truly inspiring.
This May, KPMG generously stepped in to cover the cost of books for Bancroft Elementary through the KPMG Family for Literacy (KFFL), a fund of the KPMG U.S. Foundation dedicated to eradicating childhood illiteracy. KPMG employees, including Luisa Teixeria, Thomas Hausman, Austin Patton, Nicolle Hughes, and Anthony Polselli, spent an hour with four second-grade classrooms, reading Mindful Mr. Sloth and Brick by Brick, followed by engaging activities.
Partners in Outreach matched KPMG’s efforts with their volunteers, including Frank and Sue Mattei, Nancy Mayer, and Leland and Kara Weaver. Classroom Reading Volunteer Lisa Parsons stated, “The excitement on the kids’ faces is contagious, and they are in disbelief that they get to take home a book of their own and continue to engage in reading at home.”
The Partners in Outreach classroom reading program’s mission is to instill a love of learning beyond the classroom, allowing children to read the stories at home and share the excitement of new books with their families. This is a crucial step in their educational journey. Partners in Outreach will continue the program with Believe and Achieve through summer school, thanks to the continued support of its volunteers, donors, and partner organizations. Those interested in getting involved can visit Partners in Outreach or email at [email protected].
Learn more about Partners in Outreach and its mission to improve the lives of children residing in Chester County and its surroundings by closing literacy gaps, supporting summer camp participation, and enhancing holiday and cultural expression.
