"The joy she encouraged me to feel in reading..."

“…was so incredible I have not stopped reading since!”

Penny Ly had a mentor as a child for two years from 2012 to 2014. This fall she applied to mentor herself in Burlington. These words are from her mentor application (used with permission).

And here’s a photo of Penny, her little sister Ruby, and their mentors at school.

Donors to Everybody Wins! Vermont ought to be in this photo too, because YOU made it possible. You bought the books for the book cart. You helped screen and orient mentors. You were there every day as the coordinator talked with Penny and Ruby and matched them with mentors who would care about them and read with them.

Your gift to Everybody Wins! today helps children around Vermont share joy in reading and in companionship. It tells kids that they aren’t alone. It shows them that their community cares about them enough to show up for them every week at school.

This month, a child in Burlington is being matched with Penny as a mentor. They are going to experience that same joy. Because of you, they will learn new words, talk about books, play games, and share the love of reading.

Let’s face it: these are frightening times for grown-ups, let alone for children. Our bills grow every month. The future of the U.S. is uncertain. When the world outside is scary, it takes a special kind of person to think beyond your own worries.

You are one of those people who think about the kids, especially when things are tough. And because of your compassion, children around Vermont are a little more connected to their community. They feel a little safer—even for a moment. Despite the stress and fear, they know that someone cares about them enough to show up, week after week.

Every time a mentor walks into a school this year, you are there.

Every time a child’s face lights up with joy to see them, you are there.

You are there in every new word, every giggle over a silly book, every quick hug, and every deep conversation.

You were there for Penny, and you’ll be there for her new mentee.

And maybe, 10 years from now, Penny’s mentee will fill out an application to read with another child. Because of your vision, the chain of joy and books and connection will go on.

I am so grateful for your kindness and your dedication. Thank you so much for making things better for children.