RIF, Macy's Empower Communities with Funds for Literacy Celebrations

$77,500 in Grants Going to 19 RIF Programs Across the Country

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest children's literacy nonprofit, today announced 19 of its programs will be participating in this year's Family Reading Celebration initiative – funded by Macy's to empower families and communities to help children discover the joy of reading. 

Using the grants, RIF programs across the country will host celebratory events in their communities featuring free books and innovative reading activities for families. Imagine traveling the world with a special reading passport, sharing books and bagels with mom, or dressing up in favorite book character and parading around town with pride. These are just a few examples of the fun and excitement that families may enjoy at the literacy celebrations held in their community.

RIF has selected 7 programs to receive $2,500 and 12 programs to receive $5,000 Family Reading Celebration grants – totaling $77,500. The following programs are recipients:

• Clay County Child Care Center – Clay Center, Kan.
• Middle Georgia Community Action Agency – Warner Robins, Ga.
• Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County – Gainesville, Fla.
• Child Development at Cornell Medical College – New York City, N.Y.
• Beaufort County First Steps – Beaufort, S.C.
• Kiwanis Club of Ocala – Ocala, Fla.
• Migrant Education, Fillmore USD – Fillmore, Calif.
• Association for Supportive Child Care – Tempe, Ariz.
• San Elizario ISD – San Elizario, Texas   
• York County Community Action – Sanford, Maine
• Renaissance Head Start – Detroit, Mich.
• Head Start, Inc. – Billings, Mont.
• Teenage Parenting Programs-Arlington Pub. – Arlington, Va.
• L.I. Child & Family Development Services – Patchogue, N.Y.
• Drop In Learning /Resource Center – New London, Conn.
• Orange County Head Start, Inc. – Santa Ana, Calif.
• PG County Alumnae DST Sorority – Capitol Heights, Md.
• Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services – Tucson, Ariz.
• New River Elementary – Oak Hill, W.Va.

"This grant means reaching more children and families who look to RIF as a leader and resource when it comes to their children's literacy skills. Ultimately, it means helping pave their way for a better future," said Monica Horner, RIF program coordinator at the Association for Supportive Child Care in Tempe, Ariz.  "The activities this Macy's grant allows our RIF program to organize can have a dramatic effect on a child's achievement in school and beyond."

"Macy's has been committed to RIF's mission of educating and empowering children through literacy since 2004.  We are especially proud to support RIF's creative programs across the country that are designed to empower children and their families to becoming lifelong readers," said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer for Macy's, Inc. "With RIF, America's children are learning that  reading is not only fundamental, but also fun and key for future success." She added, "The power of literacy helps shape a more competitive and innovative America."

"A child without books starts behind and is likely to stay behind for the rest of his or her life," said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "Through these Macy's grants, we're helping close the gap when it comes to ensuring every child in America has access to books. Only one out of every 300 kids in need in this country has access to books. Macy's is helping RIF change that."

To date, through a multi-year partnership with Macy's, RIF has distributed $250,000 in Family Reading Celebration grant funds to more than 70 programs. Since 2004, Macy's has been a strong supporter of RIF, raising more than $21 million for RIF.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF)

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.

SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental