Always a Work in Progress

A to Z Literacy Movement team members have been busy sorting and boxing gently-used children’s books over the last few months as our “Sending Season” continues through the spring and summer months. Our 2017 global outreach has been exciting as we diligently work to partner with new countries and organizations. These like-minded groups are striving to increase literacy levels with impoverished children just as we are with the mission of A to Z.  

A to Z shipped 480 children’s books to the town of Ngwenya which is located in Swaziland, Africa. A small committee of four people led by Cebelihle Mbuyisa is launching a small library and information center in a renovated classroom at the Ngwenya Primary School. The books arrived safely so we will be sending a second shipment of six boxes in June.

Pestanas Elementary School joyfully received over 500 children’s books from A to Z Literacy Movement in late winter.  This small school is located in Magcamiguing, Calamba, Philippines and is committed to helping children reach their highest potential in education.

Local outreach is continuing to strengthen as A to Z partnered with Crystal Lake School District 47 and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee for their annual end of the year celebration. This year, families came out to play in a soccer tournament and each child received a free book from A to Z. We believe all children should have access to books at home, so this event was extra special for us.

Generous Hearts and Service Learning  

An incredible group of eighteen Crystal Lake Central juniors once again chose A to Z Literacy Movement as their AVID service learning project and created “Books in Bags”  in Mrs. Welder’s English class. School librarian, Mrs. Nelson, played an important role in selecting fiction and nonfiction picture books for students to read and record. The students then formulated questions to pair with the books for teachers and students to enjoy at School of Hope in Zambia, Africa.

South Elementary School in Crystal Lake chose A to Z Literacy as their Coins for a Cause nonprofit fundraiser. Families and teachers generously donated $1,244.35 to our organization – an amazing gift to assist us in meeting our 2017 goals.