Spotlight on literacy during Words Alive’s 7th Annual Share Your Love of Reading event

At-risk children throughout San Diego County will receive free books and enjoy read-aloud sessions with some of San Diego’s most prominent politicians, media personalities and other local celebrities acting as honorary readers in Words Alive classrooms across the region.

Words Alive is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that provides literacy support services to low-income, at-risk children, teens and families. The organization’s month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and reading aloud.

“At Words Alive, we engage underserved children and their families to use reading as a tool to change their lives,” said Executive Director Patrick Stewart. “Share Your Love of Reading is our way of connecting with the community to share our mouthpiece in the power and impact that reading can have in your life.”

Since its inaugural year, dozens of local leaders have participated in the annual campaign, including professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, NBA legend Bill Walton and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Congressman Scott Peters, City Attorney Mara Elliott, Councilman David Alvarez, Councilwoman Georgette Gómez and CBS Reporter Jeffrey Zeveley are among those who have already committed to participating this year.

“Reading opens up new information and experiences, whether readers dive into a subject to gain knowledge, or dive into fiction to escape to other worlds. Reading is also part of lifelong learning: fostering literacy in children solidifies their educational foundation, and for adults, it helps them open new doors to success,” Peters said. “The mentorship provided by Words Alive offers both these benefits to San Diegans. I’m proud to support this program that is empowering our community though literacy programs like Share Your Love of Reading.”

The public is also invited to support Words Alive by making a donation and/or taking a #shelfie. Supporters can share a photo on Facebook with @WordsAlive, and on Twitter and Instagram with @WordsAliveSD using the shelfie hashtag to show how books have a place in all lives, while helping Words Alive build more libraries in homes and throughout the community.

All proceeds from the Share Your Love of Reading campaign will support Words Alive’s core programs that foster a love of reading in children, teens and families in San Diego County.

To make a donation, visit www.wordsalive.org or send checks to 5111 Santa Fe St. Ste. 219, San Diego, California, 92109.