Charities that Promote Literacy

The holiday season is already upon us, and it's also the busiest season for charitable donations. I did a search on Charity Navigator and found a multitude of charities that promote literacy through reading and education. Here are a few of the top-rated charities.

Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud in pediatric exam rooms across the nation.

First Book
Founded in 1992, First Book is a national organization that gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. We provide an ongoing supply of new books to children participating in community-based mentoring, tutoring, and family literacy programs.

Building with Books
Building with Books (BwB) engages American youth through in-class and after-school programs in 108 high schools. Students also volunteer in their local communities and help build schools in developing countries. BwB has built 230 schools in villages worldwide, providing more than 100,000 children and parents with access to education.

United Through Reading
The mission of United Through Reading is to facilitate supportive relationships for children through families and friends reading aloud with them. Our vision is that all children will feel the security of caring adult relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience. Founded in 1989 as Family Literacy Foundation, we provide programs that encourage parents and other community members to read aloud with young children (ages 0-5) for the educational and emotional benefits to all involved.

Beginning with Books Center for Early Literacy
The mission of Beginning with Books is to increase meaningfully the numbers of children who become capable and enthusiastic lifelong readers. This is accomplished through research-based programs respectfully offering the information, materials, skill development, and encouragement that enable parents and other adults to promote the literacy development of the children in their care.

These are just a few organizations I found. Visit each charity's website for more in-depth information and donation information. See their ratings or find more charities on Charity Navigator.