At United Through Reading (UTR), our volunteers help bring our mission to life — supporting families at events, sharing stories, and creating opportunities for connection around the world.
This month, we’re spotlighting one of our incredible volunteers, Katherine Ragsdale, whose passion for serving military families shines through in everything she does. Read on to hear Katherine’s story in her own words.
I have been a military spouse for 17 years. In that time, I have volunteered with United Through Reading, the USO, the American Red Cross, various spouse club boards, my children’s schools, and my husband’s squadron. While each organization has provided me with new skills, friends, and a sense of purpose, UTR is truly one of my favorites!
My family first learned about UTR a few years ago, when my husband used the program to record a Christmas book for our kids. They vividly remember watching him on the video and reading along with him. It was such an incredible and profoundly positive experience during that time.
This is why UTR is perfect for both my passion for children’s health and education, as well as serving my military community. The mission of connecting military families separated by deployment or duty and helping them read books to their children is so powerful. It is a reminder that often the most impactful thing is the simplest. Having a book read to you by a parent who is away is having a magical moment with a loved one.
I started volunteering with UTR a little over a year ago. I love the opportunity to share about the program and hand out books to the families during the Month of the Military Child, Story Time at the Library, Hearts Apart, Bundles for Babies, and Operation Homefront events, not to mention at my spouse’s squadron morale events.
If you enjoy helping to encourage literacy and reading, volunteering with United Through Reading is absolutely the right choice. It is such a wonderful group of people who have their hearts in the right place! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with UTR!
We’re so lucky and grateful to have Katherine as part of our team.
Inspired by Katherine’s story? Learn more about volunteering with UTR and how you can get involved.