United Way Ready to Read distributed over 8,000 books to children age birth to 5 in 2018. Since the program's inception in 2004, a total of 168,478 books have been distributed to children across Marathon County who might not otherwise have books of their own. Having books in the home, and daily reading to a child are two critical elements in helping a child to be ready to read when they enter school. One parent recently told us that the books they received from Ready to Read were used as a birthday gift for their child who was so excited to have books of their very own.
Books are purchased in bulk several times a year and distributed via local agencies who serve families with young children. Funding is provided by: 3Mgives, B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation, Wausau Breakfast Optimist Club, United Way of Marathon County, United Way Women United, UW Extension - Homemakers Club, Green Bay Packer Foundation and Peoples State Bank.
