Reading Is Fundamental

Through a national grassroots network of more than 400,000 volunteers, RIF programs provide new, free books and other essential literacy resources to nearly 4.4 million children. RIF''s highest priority is children from infancy to age 8, and those most at risk of educational failure due to economic or other challenges. Many of the children are at risk of failing to achieve basic educational goals. RIF serves children and families in every state, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories in programs that operate in schools, libraries, community centers, childcare centers, Head Start and Even Start centers, hospitals, migrant worker camps, homeless shelters, detention centers, any many other types of locations. RIF is the nation''s largest children''s and family literacy organization. RIF''s mission is to: *Ensure that every child believes in the value of books and the importance of reading. *Assist children and their families with the fundamental resources children need to become motivated to read. *Lead in the creation and development of national, regional, and local collaborations building strong community-based children''s and family literacy programs.

www.rif.org