A to Z is fortunate for the wonderful volunteers lending a helping hand as we work to meet our 2011 goals. Recently, two elementary schools hosted fundraisers for A to Z and donated over $1300. A youth librarian compiled a list of books that will best serve the young students at Esther School in Zambia. She is also seeking out local nonprofits and groups to donate books that would be more appropriate for children in Illinois. High school students have sorted hundreds of books that have been donated. They have worked diligently checking covers, pages and story content. Teachers have sorted and boxed books, ensuring the variety and content of the children’s selections. Once the boxes were ready to be shipped, another volunteer completed the customs paperwork and shipping labels. Two more A to Z volunteers have been searching for possible grant opportunities to help our organization. Their work will assist in sustaining us and we are grateful for their time. Our volunteer web designer has spent countless hours reworking and fine tuning the website. She is committed to our mission of increasing literacy and the love of reading in impoverished places. Many more volunteers are spreading the word about A to Z Literacy Movement. They are networking with people in the community to help us grow. The A to Z volunteers are the power behind our organization and we couldn’t move forward without them.

We each have a gift, something that we are spectacular at, something that fulfills us. A to Z Literacy Movement provides volunteers with the opportunity to use that gift to make a lasting impression in the lives of others. I have had the opportunity to donate my time and ideas to help A to Z over the past two years. As a sponsor of the NJHS at Bernotas Middle School, I was able to use my gift of developing ideas to help shape a yearly Walk-a-thon, where all proceeds went to A to Z. It was a great experience to see our 7th and 8th grade students walking around the track as an example of their support in promoting literacy for students in Zambia. Remember, we all have a gift to offer. What is yours? A to Z Literacy Movement definitely has a need that your gift alone can fill.

Guest writer:  Amy MacCrindle

I was flattered when Mal asked me if I would help format the program for On the Vine: Celebrating Books and Wine, A to Z’s first fundraiser. I love formatting papers (nerdy, I know!). After dozens of emails, I was finally able to produce the final product. I had never made a silent auction program before, but somehow everything came together! After working on the program, I thought it would be a great visual for guests to see numbers on the items they were bidding on. Another love of mine is scrapbooking, so I offered to make the signs for the tables and the numbers for each item at the auction. I’m so fortunate to be involved with an organization that benefits the literacy of children in Africa. I believe strongly in literacy and was honored to lend a hand.

Guest writer: Laura Strebler

It’s my lunch break and I have 25 minutes to gather at least two items for our upcoming silent auction. I have never done this before, I’m nervous, and I’m trying to think of what to say as I walk up to the counter. I begin with, “Hi, my name is Mal Keenan. I started a non-profit in 2009 and we bring books to vulnerable kids in impoverished areas like Zambia. We’re hosting our first fundraiser and I’m wondering if you would considering donating something for our silent auction.” This is when I remember to breath and smile.
As the weeks have passed, I have become more fluent with this speech as I continue to ask people for donations. However gathering items hasn’t been easy and it’s taken time. Once again, I am learning more about myself and others. Asking, for me, is much more difficult than giving. Why is that? While giving, for others, is much harder. I have heard that times are tough and a donation is not possible. I have heard that the business has already donated items to organizations and they have met their quota. Other companies have said our organization doesn’t fall under their donation guidelines. This is all new to me, and I am learning.  What motivates me to continue asking is when a business owner says, “Sure!” and hands me a gift certificate. I’m encouraged when a manager offers me a gift card and prompts me to keep doing what I’m doing. A decorated box of gift items is just what the auction needs and the handmade jewelry will be perfect.  This is what moves me along. And so with another auction item in hand, I climb back into my car, take a deep breath, and think of all the kids who will benefit from my lesson learned.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Thank you for your continued and consistent support of A to Z Literacy Movement. We are so grateful to all of our friends who donate their time and money to help get books into the hands of young readers.

Yes, it’s winter. Yes, the holidays are over. Yes, it’s true, some people will soon begin to experience cabin fever. Yet for many of us, we know that to beat the fever, you have to get out. You have to do things, go places, and hang out with people you enjoy. What better way to kick off February than with a wine tasting in a beautiful room with fantastic music to enjoy! We invite you and your friends to come and support a wonderful cause while keeping that cabin fever in check. On February 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm, we will host our first annual fundraiser at the historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. There will be plenty of unique items to bid on during the silent auction as you stroll from one tasting table to the next. Please join us for On the Vine: Celebrating Books and Wine. You can buy tickets at www.atozliteracy.org and learn more about the event.

A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! ~Author Unknown

While flying from Jo’Burg to Lusaka last July, I sat next to a lovely young woman from Atlanta. She had joined the Peace Corps and was traveling to Zambia for her assignment. I was amazed when she shared with me this marathon flight to Africa was her first experience traveling by plane! As we said “goodbye” after landing in Lusaka, I asked her to please keep in touch. Two weeks ago, I heard from Sylve via e-mail and was thrilled to read she could use our help with getting books into the hands of little ones in her village.
Hey Mal,
My name is Sylve Rawls. I don’t know if you remember me but I am the Peace Corps volunteer who conversed with you on the plane from Joburg in July. I was writing to say hello and that you were right! ZAMBIA is a great place! I’m in community entry now getting to know the place better. I will be volunteering in Luapula province in Nchelenge district. I don’t know if you have been here, but it is beautiful. I also wanted to ask for more information about your nonprofit organization, A TO Z LITERACY MOVEMENT, because in my village, there is a community preschool lacking resources in educating orphans here. I wanted to ask for your help if you can. Thanks and glad that I was able to meet you! GOD BLESS and happy holiday!