PACCAR has teamed up with the Seattle Mariners through the RBIs for Literacy program to benefit Page Ahead, and together, they create thousands of reading opportunities for kids in need. Now in its 17th season, this incredible partnership has given over 280,000 books to create home libraries for more than 23,000 kids who need them most.
And that’s only part of the story. PACCAR employees also support kids and reading by holding a company-wide book drive and volunteering to read with students. This September they collected 1,836 new books via their book drive. Thank you, PACCAR, for your incredible partnership!
Pictured left to right is PACCAR Foundation executive Ken Hastings, PACCAR Kenworth employee Tera McCormack, Page Ahead executive director Susan Dibble, and Page Ahead board president Mark Fitzgerald.
Fall is workplace giving season
Did you know you can support kids and reading through a payroll deduction? Workplace campaigns allow you to designate Page Ahead as your charity of choice—simply select Page Ahead (aka Books for Kids) on your giving form or in your corporate giving portal. Page Ahead’s Tax ID is: 91-1600084
We are also happy to come speak at any campaign kickoffs or team meetings—just get in touch. Email us!
If you’d like to hold a workplace fundraiser or book drive either online or in person, we can help with that, too! Click herefor ideas or get in touch.
Holiday book shopping
During this giving season, we are delighted our friends at Barnes & Noble are making it extra easy for everyone to get books for everyone on their list AND for the kids Page Ahead serves!
Holiday book drives are on from November 1 to December 8 at multiple Barnes & Nobles around Washington:
Our friends at First Tech Federal Credit Union will once again be running their Season of Giving community campaign, and Page Ahead will be in the running for a $10,000 grant! Voting opens November 1, so stay tuned—your vote could make the difference for Page Ahead and the kids we serve!
If you think Page Ahead is a great nonprofit, let us know!
GreatNonprofits—a review site like TripAdvisor—is honoring highly reviewed nonprofits with their 2023 Top-Rated Awards. Your review of your experience being part of the Page Ahead community will help us raise visibility (and funds from more supporters!). It’s easy and will take just two minutes. Go to our page on GreatNonprofits.org to get started!
The students love their new books!
Here are a few thank you notes from students across Washington State:
“Dear Donors, Thanks for giving us money for the books we love you. I really can’t wait to read it. Your friend Salem” Leschi Elementary, Seattle
“I love my books. I will read the books every day. I will make my own little reading room. I love picture books. I love books because books help me learn new things. I am going to read the books to my family. Thank you for the books, Stephanie” Edison Elementary, Tacoma
“Dear Donors: I am thankful for getting the 12 free books. First, when I saw them, I was in shock because I said in my mind that I will read them over and over again. Next, when I am an adult I will read them to my kids. Also, my kids will love the books you gave me when I’m an adult. Respectfully, London” Little Mountain Elementary, Mount Vernon
“Dear Donors, Thank you for the 12 books I can’t waint to read them forever! I am so Happy! From, Hanif I LOVE BOOKS!” Seahurst Elementary, Burien
We Celebrate literacy month at local HPB bookstores
There’s still time! This month, join Half Price Books in helping local kids in need get the chance to read.
Shop at Half Price Books in September to support Page Ahead! Donate your change to make change in your community. Give at the coin box located at the registers at your local Half Price Books stores.
Shop for a cause
Do you shop at Fred Meyer or QFC? In one easy step you can link your rewards card to Page Ahead and support children’s literacy in our region. Our code is RA365. Sign up here!
Welcome, new board members!
Page Ahead welcomes Kartik Kanakasabesanand and Rudmila Rahmanto our board of directors
Kartik Kanakasabesan is a Principal PM Manager at Microsoft where he has worked at since moving to Seattle in 2016. Kartik has an MBA from the University of Toronto. Kartik has had an international upbringing throughout his childhood and adulthood. Throughout his life he has lived in different countries around the world. He has seen first-hand how proper nutrition and reading skills can impact a child’s trajectory in life in a positive way. Kartik understands the importance of being a part of and serving the community around him.
Rudmila Rahman is currently at Amazon on the Corporate Development team where her role involves leading partnerships and investments to provide new financial products to customers and sellers on Amazon.com. Prior to this role, she held leadership roles in corporate strategy, M&A and partnerships teams at both F500 companies like Barclays Bank and MetLife, and also a fintech startup OnDeck Capital. She began her career at The World Bank working in development economics and financing in South Asia. Having been raised by parents who are educators with a household full of books, Rudmila is passionate about childrens’ education and equity. She is excited by Page Ahead’s approach and dedication to making reading so accessible!
We would also like to thank our dedicated departing board member:
Daniel Frankel for his years of service.
Your time, efforts, and leadership helped kids in need to succeed in their academic endeavors. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
What your support makes possible: preschool reading
This week we began shipping hundreds of copies of Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Lola Reads to Leo, and Please, Mr. Panda to our preschool partner sites as part of our Story Leaders program. Teachers read each book using shared-reading techniques we train them in, and kids get copies of each book to take home! Learn more here.
Plan a holiday book drive
Thank you to our friends at Stryker who held an amazing book drive last year—and are at it again this year!
Hosting a book drive to benefit the kids Page Ahead serves is a great way for your company, corporate team, or even a group like an extended family or book club to celebrate the spirit of giving AND make a difference in a child’s life.
