My Own Book Fund

Over the past year, we've been looking for a way to get more involved in a community project that was both meaningful and fit in with our busy schedule. We've finally found something that we can not only do together, but are totally enthralled with - My Own Book Fund The program was designed to foster reading among kids who don't have access to their own books. This new initiative funds the purchase of books for third grade kids in Manhattan and the South Bronx. Volunteers are assigned to identified schools and meet the third grade students on three different occasions over a period of about six weeks. The first visit is to introduce the program and talk about book ownership and the joy of reading. The second meeting takes place at a local Barnes & Noble store where each child gets to purchase $50 worth of books. About two weeks later, there's a return visit to the classroom to hear reactions of the children about the experience and the books that they purchased. The program is funded primarily by its founder, Burt Freeman, who had the original idea and currently serves approximately 30 schools.

Before we were assigned our "own" school, we shadowed an experienced couple at a school in Mott Haven in the south Bronx. This past week we completed our final visit and are hooked. Seeing 18-25 3rd grade students let loose in a Barnes & Noble is quite an experience. Both Chris and I love books and are really excited about getting these kids started. Watching an intense 8 or 9 year old's eyes open wide as they look at the huge selection is an incredible experience. Deciding between "Captain Underpants" or "Junie B. Jones" and a biography of Rosa Parks or Mohamed Ali can be tough!

Chris really has a way with the kids. Watching her get them organized and talking about their experiences was a revelation! The other couple called her the model for all the volunteers. They just called me Paul.

When we went back to the school to debrief the kids it was really exciting. Each class was unique, ranging from hyper-articulate and involved to shy and struggling to read simple picture books. It was clear that the teachers set the tone and had an impact in the kind of experience the class had. We heard so many great stories a chuckled over some of the 'creative' thank you notes that we received from the kids. Who could not love a note that starts with....."you are so giving, you break my heart with your kindnes...its an oner for you to come to my house for chrtmes..just kiding, I'm being sarkastik.. but if you will come to my house, my address is......."