books change lives!
As RIF of NOVA begins its second half century in the Northern Virginia area in 2023, we continue to celebrate the FACT that reading matters! For 50 years, we have been providing books to deserving children in our community -- the City of Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. During that time, we have given hundreds of thousands books to children who need them the most. And we hope to continue for 50 more...as long as there are children in our region who have few -- to even no -- books of their own. The impact on literacy rates has been particularly acute due to the pandemic, dropping to levels not seen for 30 years. While this news is discouraging, RIF of NOVA is committed to reversing this trend. And with your help, we can make a difference!
According to a U.S. Department of Education survey published on the Scholastic website, nearly two-thirds of low-income families they studied owned no books for their children. Does this matter? YES! The survey continues:
“The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.”
According to a U.S. Department of Education survey published on the Scholastic website, nearly two-thirds of low-income families they studied owned no books for their children. Does this matter? YES! The survey continues:
“The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.”
Can ONE book change a life? The answer is a resounding YES!
Dr. Ingrid Bynum, principal of Patrick Henry K-8 School in Alexandria, knows the difference that ONE book can make. A RIF book when she was in elementary school changed her life and put her on a path to academic and career success. Honored as RIF of NOVA's first ever "Literacy Luminary" during our 50th Anniversary Golden Gala celebration in October 2022, Dr. Bynum has now earned the title of Mrs. Virginia America 2023! In that role, she is focusing her efforts on children's literacy as she travels throughout Virginia to promote books and reading. Scroll below to find a video in which Dr. Bynum offers a from-the-heart reflection on books and how donations will make a difference to RIF of NOVA. And in an interview with NBC4, Dr. Bynum spoke about her journey to Mrs. Virginia in support of children's literacy. Find that story here!
Dr. Ingrid Bynum (m), the newly crowned Mrs. Virginia America 2023, is shown with two other contestants.
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On her Instagram account, mrsvirginiaamerica2023, Dr. Bynum wrote: "Together let's make a difference that will impact a child's future. Let's get books into the hands of children! The pandemic has made a dramatic impact on literacy that we have not seen for 30 years. As a principal and Mrs Virginia 2023, I am working hard to ensure every child has access to quality literacy materials. The more books children have to read, the more successful they will be in life. Reading is the foundation. I personally benefited from RIF as a child and reading became my strength. Books change lives!
Please donate to Reading is Fundamental of NOVA @rifnova to support the mission of ensuring every child has at least one book. You can donate at: https://donorbox.org/donate-to-rif-of-nova. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will directly benefit children who need books the most. Please indicate Mrs. Virginia in the comment box so we can see the impact my campaigning all over VA is making. Your contribution will be tax deductible. Thank you for your support in helping to change the trajectory of a child’s life!" |
Dr. Bynum met with Virginia Member of Congress Bobby Scott to discuss childhood literacy.
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Ingrid Bynum meets with Patrick Henry K-8 students regularly to promote reading. Patrick Henry is one of 36 schools RIF of NOVA supports.
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Book It For Books is Back!
Book It For Books 5K/One-Mile Race and Fun Run is RIF of NOVA's biannual fund- and fun-raiser! It took place on October 28, 2023 at Bluemont Park in Arlington. It was such a grand day for running, walking, and supporting children's literacy, thanks to our many sponsors, participants, and volunteers. A full list of our sponsors and donors can be found by clicking here. A full race day pictorial is being built so check back soon for more photos of a beautiful day to remember!
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At $4 per book, you can give a child in our Northern Virginia community not only a book but a better chance at reading and academic success! The children's faces below show the joy they feel when they have chosen a forever book to take home!
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Dr. Ingrid Bynum, principal of Patrick Henry K-8 School in Alexandria, knows the difference that ONE book can make. As she notes in this video, a RIF book when she was in elementary school changed her life and put her on a path to academic and career success.
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Click on the video below to see pics of our favorite RIF of NOVA book activity -- putting books into the hands of deserving children -- along with scenes from our biannual Book It For Books 5K to raise funds to support our programming .
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Your generous donations to the cause of literacy for children in our region will be most gratefully appreciated. If you'd like to help, click here or on the Donate box below or on any page to donate online. Or please send a check to the address listed below.
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Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. P.O. Box 7012 Arlington, VA 22207-0012 |
Check out our latest newsletter, the RIF RAP, to learn more about RIF of NOVA and the children we serve! To subscribe to the RIF RAP, please sign up here.
RIF of NOVA is committed -- through its actions in providing books to children in the Northern Virginia region -- to building a sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and resilient community.
RIF of NOVA is committed -- through its actions in providing books to children in the Northern Virginia region -- to building a sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and resilient community.
"Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams
and more reading helped me make my dreams come true." -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
"Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school."
-- Beverly Cleary