EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY
Read United Day
One day. Nearly 1,000 volunteers. Thousands of students inspired. Volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud and leave behind new books for each classroom and for students to take home.
Bringing Stories to Life
Read United Day is the flagship initiative of Read United, reaching students in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading. Nearly 1,000 United Way volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud and leave behind a new book for each class. In Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties, every pre-K through 2nd-grade student also receives a new book to take home, helping to close the gap for children who may not have books at home. In Chatham County, United Way will continue our pilot reading competition with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, designed to motivate and reward students for reading more books.
Read United Day 2026 will benefit more than 20,000 children across our region—and your support makes it possible.
Why is Childhood Literacy Important?
Reading proficiency and literacy is vital to the success of our community. Children with reading difficulties are more likely to experience health and behavioral problems, teen pregnancy, premature departures from school, trouble sustaining employment, and even poverty. Through Read United, we seek to increase opportunities for achievement and brighter futures for all by ensuring that children reach important language milestones.
By the Numbers
The power of your donation
Through Read United, we seek to increase opportunities for achievement and brighter futures overall.
By donating you can help provide books to the children in our region.
Sponsorship
Invest in our community’s future. Become a Read United sponsor. For questions or to secure your sponsorship, contact [email protected] or (912) 651-7700.