Our work · READ
Building Brighter Futures: Nurturing Literacy from birth to 3rd grade
The Marcella Foundation is leading a collaborative effort to positively change the literacy outcomes for children from birth - 3rd grade in our region.
Birth to 3rd grade
Our Programs
Donations to this pillar go to sponsor the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, BookMode, The Great Library Refresh, and the Early Literacy Network.
-
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
We’re proud to lead the effort to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to El Dorado County! This program delivers one free book each month to children from birth to age five. Learn More
-
BookMode
BookMode provides free Kindles to 2nd graders, giving them instant access to thousands of books and audiobooks in both English and Spanish.
-
ReadingPals
ReadingPals matches volunteers with Tahoe Valley Elementary students for weekly one‑on‑one reading sessions. Learn More
Did you know?
37% of 4th graders in the United States read “below basic” meaning they cannot read (NAEP 2022)
Your donations to READ will greatly help the community
Every donation helps!
-
$30 sponsors Imagination Library books for a child for a year!
-
$100 gives 10 new books to a school library
-
$300 brings BookMode to one reading group at an elementary school
Our Vision
Our vision is that every child in our region should be able to read by 3rd grade. Literacy is a gateway skill and those that do not achieve this milestone are much more likely to face challenges academically and vocationally for years to come. We envision a literacy first educational system that brings the entire community together to support literacy for our most vulnerable youth.
Every child in our region should be able to read by 3rd grade.
