Philanthropy Projects

Hello everyone,
Your WNBA board has decided to add a philanthropy chairperson, and I’m it!
I’m planning to find volunteer opportunities for us with the nonprofit organizations in Nashville who work with our favorite things, books and literacy. Thanks to our program chair, Erin Cox, we heard all about the Nashville Adult Literacy Council at the holiday dinner. They are always looking for volunteer tutors to help adults learn to read or improve their reading skills. You can find out more at Nashville Adult Literacy Council (nashvilleliteracy.org)
I plan to send information about new opportunities as they arise. This time it’s a group that we have volunteered with for some time. Some of our members are regular volunteers. The mission of Book’em, at Home - Book 'em (bookem-kids.org), is “to create a more literate Nashville and ignite children’s passion for reading through book ownership and enthusiastic volunteers”. If you look at the website you will see that there are many chances to be of help. We are currently focused on Read Me Day. There are 2 this year.
- February 24 Friday, from 7:30 to 11 am – school to be announced (will send info as I have it).
- Classroom readers and/or helpers needed February 23 Thursday, in the afternoon – short set-up - time TBD
- March 3 Friday, at Shayne Elementary School - Classroom readers and/or helpers needed. Shayne is located at 6217 Nolensville Pike, in Nashville (South of Old Hickory Boulevard)
- Mar 2 Thursday with a short set up at the school.
What is Read Me Day?
Read Me Day is an annual celebration of literacy hosted at Title I elementary schools to highlight the importance of books and reading, create a memorable literacy experience for children, and provide community-wide support for our local schools and students. Read Me Day events are organized in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools.
History: Read Me Day was started in 1986 by Frankie DeWees, a teacher at East Hickman Elementary School in Lyles, Tennessee, to celebrate the importance of reading. The event was called “Read Me Day” because students, teachers, and visiting readers were invited to wear a shirt, cap, or pin with a message on it so the children could “read the reader.” Book’em has celebrated Read Me Day since 1990, growing the event from a single day into four celebrations hosted at different schools each year.
The next group we will highlight is the PENCIL Foundation. Be on the lookout for more information.