| In Chicago |
| There is no more important skill a child can acquire than the ability to read with ease and accuracy. In our increasingly technological world, illiteracy is a serious barrier to success as an adult. For many children, the beginning of a lifelong love of reading is the first brand new book they can call their own. Since 1972, RIF in Chicago has pursued that mission by distributing over three and a half million books to inner city children through a network which now includes 82 Chicago public schools. During the 2008-2009 school year, RIF in Chicago will distribute more than 199,000 books. RIF students come from varied ethnic backgrounds, but they share one common problem: poverty-line family income, making the purchase of children’s books difficult. RIF provides them free. RIF in Chicago reaches 60,000 children per year with a staff of four, assisted by an active network of parent volunteers in participating schools. |
| Executive Director Evan Georgi Email Evan (708) 437 - 2733 |
| Program Coordinator Sheree Mayfield Email Sheree (708) 437 - 2734 |
| Reading Is Fundamental |
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