Giving Time to Support the Mission

June 24, 2022

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” United Through Reading has had countless employees from our partner organizations with a heart for our mission dedicate their time and energy to helping us keep military families reading together every day, no matter the distance. They’ve participated in storytime, book setup, and so much more. 

Here’s a breakdown of employee engagement events from the first half of 2022. 

Veterans United Home Loan employees helped United Through Reading distribute Be Drill Ready Kits to National Guard Members and their families in Missouri and North Carolina during April, Month of the Military Child. Veterans United Foundation supported 4,800 kits containing storytime resources so National Guard members from 18 states can remain connected with their children through storytime even when duty takes them away from home. Veterans United Home Loans is all about helping Veterans and military families become homeowners. Veterans United Foundation exists to enhance the lives of Veterans and military families and support diverse needs in our local communities and across the nation.

 

 

BAE Systems, Inc. staff members spent a spring afternoon at their Falls Church, VA headquarters creating Reading Ready Kits. Volunteers carefully crafted each kit with children’s books from United Through Reading’s curated book library, information on how to read the books in the kit using the UTR App, and a special surprise! BAE Systems, Inc. is a global defense, aerospace, and security company that provides a critical advantage where it counts – from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space. BAE Systems, Inc. is a steadfast supporter of service members, their families, and United Through Reading.

 

USAA volunteers shared storytime with children at the United States Air Force Academy Child Development Center in Colorado Springs, CO in April. The volunteers supported United Through Reading and children’s educational development by going into each classroom at the CDC, reading aloud, and then distributing new, high-quality books to children. One hundred fourteen military kids benefited from the special storytime with USAA volunteers. Another USAA volunteer supported Arizona National Guard Families by representing United Through Reading at a Phoenix Yellow Ribbon event, spreading the word about United Through Reading’s free services available to National Guard members and their families in any duty status. USAA proudly serves millions of military members and their families with competitive rates on insurance, banking, and investment services, and has supported United Through Reading for 20 years.

 

Carter’s, Inc. employees donated their time to prepare books for distribution at Carter’s supported volunteer events during the Month of the Military Child. The first event was held at the Carter’s Distribution Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Employees spent time sorting and labeling books and postcards for Month of the Military Child events in Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Colorado. A similar event occurred at the Carter’s store on Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, CA. Employees assembled 600 books for distribution to military children in Southern California and Hawaii. Carter’s, Inc. is a major American designer and marketer of children’s apparel. Carter’s cares about the well-being of all children. One of their primary charitable missions is childhood literacy, which aligns beautifully with United Through Reading’s mission.

 

More than 700 Kimberly-Clark employees throughout the country took time away from their work to write special notes of thanks to service members that will be distributed this fall and winter at our Story Stations along with Kimberly-Clark Foundation-supported books. These simple, heart-felt notes let military members who are serving away from home know that their sacrifices are appreciated! Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands (including Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex and Depend) are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Kimberly-Clark uses sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure their business thrives for decades to come. Kimberly-Clark Foundation’s charitable giving is based on their promise to be a good employer, a good neighbor and to support causes that provide the essentials for a better life.

 

Viasat Inc. employees worked together on May 5 to assist United Through Reading’s efforts to support military families. The group met at Viasat Inc. Corporate Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA, and created 200 Welcome Kits to be distributed to military kids throughout the country. Each kit was meticulously put together with four STEM books, an exclusive Viasat Inc. space satellite building block set, and information about United Through Reading’s programs. Viasat Inc. is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 36 years, Viasat Inc. has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate.

 

 

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) members collaborated during Military Appreciation Month to make it possible for military families to bond through reading. IICF volunteers assembled 150 Pre-Deployment Kits for military children facing separation from their mom or dad. The event took place at the Zenith Office in San Diego, CA. The kits were handed out to military families aboard the USS Anchorage during their Family Day Cruise. IICF helps communities and enriches lives by uniting the collective strength of the insurance industry in providing grants, volunteer service, and leadership.

We are grateful for all the volunteers who dedicated their time during the first half of 2022.

There are various ways to support United Through Reading’s mission in-person and virtually.To learn more about  volunteer opportunities, visit https://tinyurl.com/4nbxezzs and fill out our volunteer interest form.  

 

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