The Klem Rd. North Elementary School PTSA has come up with a clever way to encourage kids to read, while benefiting a great community organization at the same time.
It’s an initiative called “Kids Read for Kids,” a partnership between Klem North and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester. The idea is simple: Throughout the month of February, Klem North students do as much reading as they can, and as they do, they collect pledges from friends, family members (or community members) tied to how much they read. You can pledge, for example, 50 cents for every minute they read, or a dollar for every day, or just make a one-time donation. At the end of February, the PTSA will split the donations 50/50 with the Ronald McDonald House.
The kids can read anything they want, and even count the time when parents or grandparents read TO them. The idea is to get young people excited about reading.
What’s especially neat about the Kids Read for Kids program is that it’s unique. Annie Murphy, Ronald McDonald House’s Senior Director of Philanthropic Relationships, explains,
Kids Read for Kids is the first initiative of its kind within the Ronald McDonald House network. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY (RMHCR) is one of 387 chapters worldwide, with nine in New York State. While some chapters, like Albany, have hosted read-a-thons where all proceeds benefit RMHC, our approach is unique.
Our version is a true partnership, with all funds raised evenly split between RMHCR and the school. This literacy-based community service initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also empowers students to make a meaningful impact—supporting both the Klem North PTSA and families with sick or injured children at RMHCR.
Klem North parents, grandparents and guardians are, of course, encouraged to participate and support their children. But community members not directly involved with the school can also help out. You can click here for more information, make a one-time pledge or support a Klem North student. The school has set an ambitious goal of $30,000, so they need a LOT of donations! You can also view a video about the program by clicking here.
About the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester
Since 1990, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY (RMHCR) has been a home away from home for families with critically ill or injured children. Our mission is to strengthen families and promote healing by providing essential care and support—free of charge—during their toughest times.
We began with our 24-room Westmoreland House and expanded in 2005 to include our House Within the Hospital at Golisano Children’s Hospital, which offers 7 rooms for families with the most critical needs. Over the years, we’ve added Family Rooms, Hospitality Carts, and the world’s first Mental Health & Wellness Family Room to support families in every way possible.
In 2024 alone, we served 9,678 families, saving them over $2.5 million in lodging, meals, and other support. From high-risk pregnancies to post-hospital recovery, RMHCR provides comfort and care for the whole family because we know that a child’s illness affects everyone.
With nearly 50 years of global impact and 35 years of local service here in Rochester, we’re committed to helping families stay close to each other—and close to the care their child needs.
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(posted 2/5/2025)
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