Dear reader,
A more informed Vermont is a smarter Vermont, and there’s no better time to start than at an early age. That’s why VTDigger is partnering with the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) this spring to send 3,000 new books to children across the state and raise awareness of the importance of early literacy for the next generation of news readers. .
This month, we’re asking readers to support two good causes with just one monetary contribution. When you become a member of VTDigger or make an additional donation at the level that suits you, you will power our local journalism and CLiF will send a book in your name to a child in Vermont.
Did you know that 60% of low-income families don’t have children’s books at home? CLiF focuses its services on low-income, rural and at-risk children. For many children in Vermont, the books they receive from CLiF are the first they own.
Pandemic-related learning loss has widened pre-existing opportunity and achievement gaps, hitting disadvantaged students the hardest. Nationally, the test score gaps between students in low-poverty schools and high-poverty schools increased by 15% in reading in the 2020-2021 school year. On average, K-12 students were four months behind in reading at the end of the school year.
With the proliferation of misinformation in today’s world, it is crucial that children develop strong literacy skills so that they can become the knowledgeable news readers of the future.
Today, you can foster children’s literacy and support VTDigger’s nonprofit journalism at the same time. Will you help us send 3,000 books to children in Vermont in the next 30 days?
Become a member by donating any amount to VTDigger during our spring membership drive this month and we’ll send you a book on your behalf.
Vermonters of all ages need reliable information to participate in a healthy civil society, and it all starts with learning to read. Thanks for being a VTDigger reader and enjoying our stories.
Yours,
Anne Galloway
Editor and Executive Director, VTDigger
Become a VTDigger member today
In line: vtdigger.org/donate
Call: (802) 225-6791
Mail: Make checks payable to VTDigger, 26 State Street, Suite 8, Montpelier, VT 05602
Our mission
We produce rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, holds government accountable to the public, and engages Vermonters in the democratic process.
VTDigger is a project of the Vermont Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax identification number is 27-1553931
Did you know that VTDigger is a non-profit organization?
Our journalism is made possible by donations from our members. If you appreciate what we do, please contribute and help keep this vital resource accessible to everyone.