General FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) List

Last updated  June 9, 2008

Q:	What is Reading to Kids?
A:	Reading to Kids is a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading, thereby enriching their lives and opportunities for future success.
Q:	How did Reading to Kids get started?
A:	Reading to Kids began in 1999 at Gratts Elementary School.  Reading to Kids founders began a relationship with Gratts by organizing periodic carnivals at the school. Looking to start an additional program with the school that would emphasize learning, the volunteers, teachers, and administrators came up with the idea of the "Gratts Reading Club." This reading club began in May 1999 and its success led to the formation of Reading to Kids. In March 2000, Reading to Kids expanded its program to Esperanza Elementary School and in March 2001, it expanded again to Magnolia Elementary School. In 2006, Reading to Kids expanded to Hoover and Politi Elementary Schools.  In 2007, Reading to Kids expanded to White and Los Angeles Elementary Schools.  In 2008, Reading to Kids added its eighth school, expanding to Alta Loma Elementary.  In the future, Reading to Kids hopes to expand this successful program to other elementary schools in the LAUSD.
Q:	Is there a big time commitment? How often are the reading clubs held?
A:	There is no big time commitment. Volunteers can choose to volunteer at a reading club whenever their schedules permit. The reading clubs are held once per month, always on the second Saturday of each month. Checking in starts as early as 8:30 AM, with mandatory training for new volunteers at 9:00 AM. The reading clubs conclude before noon.
Q:	Do volunteers need to bring anything to the school?
A:	Not a thing except, perhaps, a big smile! Reading to Kids provides the books and breakfast for the volunteers, and the schools provide the supplies for the arts and crafts projects. Some volunteers have, in the past, brought items such as travel magazine clippings for pictures of faraway places, paper plates, metallic ink pens, etc. for craft ideas related to the month's book selection. If these items inspire creativity, are age-appropriate, and are easy to clean up, the kids generally appreciate the extra effort--just let us know what special items you've brought at check-in time!
Q:	What happens to the books that are purchased for the reading clubs?
A:	Books that are selected by the teachers and purchased by Reading to Kids in a given month are donated directly to the school libraries. Reading to Kids has increased the library holdings of the participating schools by more than 8,700 books overall!
Q:	If I sign up, am I committed to volunteering each month?
A:	Although we would love to have you volunteer each month, we recognize that people have busy schedules, so our philosophy is that if you can make it one month, we're glad to have you, but if you can't make it, then you are welcome to volunteer the following month.
Q:	When may I RSVP?
A:	You may RSVP online anytime before the next reading club, although the earlier, the better to help us plan ahead. If it's your first time volunteering with us, you can RSVP after you have filled out an online volunteer application.  Click here to sign up.
Q:	Can I bring my child with me?
A:	Reading to Kids volunteers should not bring children to the reading clubs with them.  All volunteers need to be at least 18 years old.
Q:	Where may I park my vehicle when I volunteer?
A:	For detailed instructions on where to park, please click here for a list of schools and directions to each school.
Q:	How else can I help?
A:	Reading to Kids has been able to expand because volunteers continue to spread the word about our programs. Please encourage your friends and co-workers to participate by passing along the information about our website and by sharing your volunteer experiences with others. You may also join one of our Taskforce Committees to help us with the management of the programs. For more information, please contact a committee chair directly, or get in touch with us through the "Contact Us" section of this website. Finally, we are always happy to accept donations to our organization. For more information about the costs of our programs and about making a donation, please visit the "Donations" section of our website.
Q:	How can I get more information?
A:	Send an E-mail with questions to inforeadingtokids.org, or browse the rest of the website.