We recently met Victoria Hammond, a Program Coordinator at Linwood YMCA in Kansas City. She told us about Leigh, a particularly shy girl in her afterschool program who found confidence and friends through reading.

Victoria noticed that she played alone and didn’t have the self-esteem to introduce herself to the other kids.

One day Leigh approached Victoria and quietly asked, “Can we read together?”

After reading together for a few days, other kids began to join them. Victoria saw a spark in the timid girl. Leigh started to feel comfortable, trusting Victoria and the other students.

During playtime, Victoria now watches as Leigh and her friends choose books over other toys. They’ve even started their own reading group.

Every day, books from First Book are transforming the lives of kids in need.

If you serve children in need, you can access books, school supplies and other essentials to help kids learn. Sign up with First Book today!