SMART Reading

Portland friends–the SMART Reading Associate Board is hosting a pint night on Wednesday, March 19, from 6-8pm at @LeikamBrewing! $1 of every pint purchased goes to benefit SMART’s work providing books and reading support to Oregon kids!

SELCO Community Credit Union is hosting children’s book drives for SMART across the state this month! At locations in Springfield, Eugene, Bend, Redmond, and Burns! We are very excited and grateful for this incredible partnership. ?? Bring in new and gently used kids’ books to a @selcoccu location near you. We’ll clean and restore them and get them to kids in your community! ?? https://buff.ly/qdOGXdp

Do you remember having a favorite book as a kid, or a favorite series? At SMART we know that getting kids excited about books at an early age sets them up for success as students, but it’s not always easy to do. Kids get excited about books when books excite them! When we pack books for kids we have a recipe we use to make sure kids get a nice mix to choose from, including books that reflect their identities and experiences, books that teach about different topics, and books just for pure fun and enjoyment! Help us purchase inclusive and engaging books for kids in your area by contributing to our For the Love of Books campaign! https://buff.ly/4gYPUKk And please share this post with your friends! ???????????????????? ?? [id: “SMART’s Recipe for Making a Reader” with text that reads: “Ingredients: Mirror Books–kids can see themselves reflected here / Window Books–show kids cultures outside of their own / Nonfiction Books–teach kids facts about the world / Classic/Popular Books–delight and entertain kids / Instructions: Offer kids a mix of all ingredients, let them choose books to read and share one-on-one time reading together!”]

As we wrap up Black History Month, it's important to remember that the celebration of Black culture, history, and accomplishments should not be confined to just February. Listening to the stories and experiences of Black people in our communities is an ongoing responsibility—one that requires action year-round. With these writing prompts we invite you to reflect on how you can continue to engage with Black history throughout this year and beyond. Set a timer for 5 minutes and consider one or both of these questions: 1. How will I continue to learn about Black history? 2. What steps can I take to support and amplify Black voices and history beyond February? We also want to take the time to highlight @oregonblackpioneers, a nonprofit doing incredible work in preserving and sharing the history of Black Oregonians. Through their efforts, they ensure that the stories of those who have shaped Oregon, often against great odds, are not forgotten. From the early pioneers to contemporary leaders, the Oregon Black Pioneers are dedicated to uplifting voices that have been overlooked and providing a space for people to learn, reflect, and engage. As we honor Black history this month, let’s commit to more than just a moment of reflection. Let's make an effort to listen, learn, and support Black voices in our communities, and work to preserve their stories and legacies for generations to come. Consider taking action with a donation to Oregon Black Pioneers at https://lnkd.in/gPGnMFfN #BlackHistoryMonth #OregonBlackPioneers #BlackHistory

Thursday afternoon, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my coworker, Gainell Irving, ME.d. in Salem, leading two book-cleaning events. The first was with Maps Credit Union, which generously held a book drive for us to support Grant Community School. The second welcomed our dedicated local volunteers from Yoshikai Elementary. These events were filled with laughter, learning, and a shared passion for getting books into the hands of children who need them most. At SMART Reading, we know that every book cleaned and distributed is a step toward sparking joy, fostering a love of reading, and ensuring more children have access to stories that inspire them. We are incredibly grateful for the community’s involvement and commitment to making literacy accessible for all. Moments like these remind us why we’re working to expand the Children’s Book Bank across Oregon, so even more children can experience the magic of owning their own books. Together, we’re helping to fill homes with stories and brighten futures across the state!

BOOK LOVERS and FRIENDS, today we launch our “For The Love of Books” campaign! ??????? Help us raise $75,000 to provide inclusive, engaging books for kids in Oregon. Every gift stays local to your community and helps us purchase books for kids to keep. Learn more and donate here! https://buff.ly/k9nC1Bf

Central Oregon friends: please join us next Thursday, Mar. 6 for our annual SMART Sip! This is a chance to connect with other SMART volunteers and supporters and support our reading programs with kids throughout Central Oregon. Tickets and details here: https://buff.ly/4aTzh0C

Thank you to all who attended our Give Your Heart to SMART event last week! Your love for SMART and generous support helps fund our reading programs with kids in the Rogue Valley. Each and every gift ensures our work goes further! We'd also like to say a huge thank you to our generous sponsors: Beerworks, Cartwrights Medford Market, Costco, Elements Tapas Bar, Grocery Outlet Harry & David, Jackson Care Connect, Jackson County Physical Therapy, Market of Choice, Portland Trail Blazers, Premier Oil Change, Retirement Planning Specialists, Inc., Rogue Disposal, Shop'n Kart, Table Rock Kiwanis Club, Trader Joes, and Wildlife Safari

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Bill Thorndike Jr., a cherished founder and benefactor of SMART Reading who was instrumental to bringing the program to the Rogue Valley. Bill's generous spirit has enriched the lives of countless children. Bill supported SMART in ways big and small. From serving on our statewide Board of Directors and Rogue Valley Leadership Council to offering up his office for us to hold meetings and inventory books -- we could always count on him. In September, we had the honor of presenting Bill with our Lifetime SMARTie Award and a framed copy of his favorite children's book, The Phantom Tollbooth. Then and now, we are so grateful to Bill for his deep commitment to his community. His loss is felt profoundly and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. Pictured: Bill receiving the Lifetime SMARTie Award from Executive Director Jessica Bowersox and Area Director Leona Westdahl at a celebration event in September 2024.

??NEW DATE/TIME! ???Online poetry workshop, Poems of Childhood and Children, with Mary Christine Delea has been rescheduled for Thurs, Feb 27 from 4:30-6:30pm. No previous experience in poetry writing is necessary–all are welcome! Check out details here: bit.ly/SMARTPoetry This will be a fun time, and all proceeds go to SMART! ??