EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY

Read United Day

One day. Over 500 volunteers. Hundreds of students inspired. Volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud and leave behind new books for classrooms and students to enjoy.

Become a Sponsor Volunteer Donate

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. Hundreds of United Way volunteers visit classrooms to read aloud and leave behind a new book and reading materials for each class. In Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties, every Kindergarten and first-grade student 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 STAR Reading Competition in partnership with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, encouraging students to build daily reading habits by reading with family members and loved ones.

Read United Day will benefit children across our region—and your support makes it possible. 

January 29, 2027

Volunteer to Read in Kindergarten and first-grade classrooms across our five-county region

Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, & Long counties

Volunteer

Read to one class or many, your time makes a difference. Help us spark a lifelong love of reading.

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

By the end of the third-grade children should be shifting from learning to read to reading to learn.

Children who struggle with reading early on are more likely to struggle in other subjects such as math, science, and social studies.

3rd grade students who are not proficient in reading by the end of the year are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

By age 10, a child’s path to success is determined by their reading proficiency.

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.

What your money buys:

$5

buys one book

$50

buys 10 books

$100

buys books for an entire class

$250

buys 50 books

$500

buys 100 books

$1,200

buys books for an entire school

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.

Year-Round Support

Read United Day is just one part of our work to improve early language and childhood literacy. Learn how we’re building brighter futures through year-round support.

Community Impact

See the difference we’re making in our community. Download and share with anyone interested in learning more about our work.

Premier Partner

Sponsored by

Colonial
Georgia Ports Authority
Gulfstream
Publix
Vystar Credit Union
Georgia Power

Sponsorship Opportunities


For questions or to secure your sponsorship, contact [email protected] or (912) 651-7700.

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