Inspiring a Love of Reading Across Chautauqua County
Each year, United Way of Chautauqua County brings the community together for Literacy Week — a county-wide initiative that connects volunteers with elementary classrooms to promote the joy and importance of reading.
Through this week-long effort, volunteers visit local schools to read with students and help spark a lifelong love of learning. Each child receives a brand-new book to take home, reinforcing the importance of reading beyond the classroom and helping build strong foundations for future success.
A Community Effort in Action
Literacy Week mobilizes volunteers from across the community — including individuals, businesses, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations — to step into classrooms and make a direct impact.
Presented in partnership with CHQ Professionals Group and supported by community sponsors, this initiative reflects the power of collaboration in advancing youth opportunity throughout Chautauqua County.
By bringing together people from all sectors, United Way helps create meaningful connections between students and the community that surrounds them.
2026 Literacy Week Info
📅 April 20 – 24
Literacy Week takes place in participating school districts across Chautauqua County, with volunteers reading in classrooms throughout the week.
Participating schools include:
- Brocton Elementary
- Dunkirk City School District
- Fredonia Elementary
- Forestville Elementary
- Ripley Elementary
- Sherman Elementary
- Sinclairville Elementary
- Wheelock Elementary
Impact by the Numbers
Each year, Literacy Week reaches hundreds of students across the county — and the impact continues to grow.
- 1,975 students reached
- 118 classrooms visited
- 70+ volunteers mobilized
- A brand-new book for every student
These numbers reflect more than participation — they represent moments of connection, encouragement, and inspiration that help shape a child’s relationship with reading.
Why It Matters
Early literacy plays a critical role in long-term academic success and overall well-being.
Literacy Week aligns with United Way’s focus on Youth Opportunity, helping ensure that children in our community have the tools, encouragement, and support they need to succeed.
When a volunteer reads with a child, they’re doing more than sharing a story — they’re showing that their community believes in them.
VOLUNTEER TO READ TO SCHOOL CHILDREN
Community members and workplace teams are invited to participate as volunteer readers.
Volunteers are assigned to classrooms during the week and provided with the materials needed to create a fun and engaging reading experience for students.
Spanish-speaking volunteers are also encouraged to participate to help reach more students across our community.
Register to read to school children during Literacy Week → Click here!
BECOME A BOOK SPONSOR
Each child who participates in Literacy Week receives a book to take home — made possible through the support of Book Sponsors.
Individuals and businesses can support this effort by helping fund the purchase of books, ensuring that every child has access to reading materials beyond the classroom.
Become a book sponsor now and provide free books to local children → Click here!