Reading is one of the most powerful gifts a child can receive — and this spring, employees from CTDI made sure more kids had access to exactly that.
In celebration of Read Across America Week 2026, 10 CTDI branches across the country partnered with Partners in Outreach to bring the beloved national literacy initiative to life at the local level. Together, volunteers visited elementary schools in their communities to read alongside first and second-grade students, spending time in classrooms and helping foster a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
The visits were about more than story time. At each school, students received a brand-new book to take home and keep — a small but meaningful gesture that puts books directly into the hands of children who may not otherwise have them. For many young readers, owning a book of their own is a first step toward building the kind of reading habit that supports academic success for years to come.
Partners in Outreach, whose mission centers on connecting communities through acts of service and giving, has made literacy a cornerstone of its work. The collaboration with CTDI reflects a shared belief that corporate community engagement, when done with intention, can make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
With 10 branches participating across the country, the initiative demonstrated the kind of reach that comes when a national organization commits to showing up locally. Employees didn’t just write a check — they showed up in classrooms, sat with kids, and read.
That kind of direct engagement is what makes programs like Read Across America resonate beyond a single week on the calendar. When children see adults who care enough to spend time with them and hand them a book to call their own, the message goes far beyond the words on the page.
Interested in supporting local children and families through literacy, enrichment, and community service? Learn more about Partners in Outreach and discover ways to get involved in upcoming programs and initiatives.
PIO is dedicated to improving the lives of children in Chester County and surrounding communities by helping close literacy gaps, expanding access to summer camp opportunities, and supporting meaningful holiday and cultural experiences that help young people thrive.
