Meet Kristen, a new board member at Reach Literacy. She is no stranger to the organization, serving as one of our wonderful bookstore volunteers, and we look forward to the perspective Kristen will add to the board!
Tell us about yourself, your family, and where you are from.
I grew up mostly in South Dakota (moved around a little as a kid and briefly lived in MN and ND) and graduated from South Shore High School. Bonus points to anyone who can find my “hometown” on a map! I have three grown children: Emily (27), Jaden (23), and Kelli (19). I also have a grandson, Roman James, who is 8 months old. Starting a book collection for grandbaby and reading to him every chance I get has been so much fun. I come from a family of educators and librarians, so I’m not joking when I say the love of literature is in my blood.
What interested you in being involved with Reach?
I love to read, obviously, and I was inspired to volunteer at the bookstore after seeing a United Way campaign video a couple of years ago. Volunteering at the bookstore was the perfect way to combine two of my greatest passions, reading and working with non-profit organizations.
What is your favorite Reach offering and why?
Well, so far, I have to say the bookstore because that is where I spend the most time. Anyone that has shopped while I’m there and worked with me will be quick to tell you how excited I get to hear about what other people are reading and how much I geek out seeing the donations that come in. I’m excited to join the BEE a Reader program for the first time this year!
What’s a book you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime?
This is a seriously tough question for me to answer. But the first book that popped into my head was To Kill a Mockingbird. I love the underlying theme of standing up for what is right no matter what anyone else says or what it might cost you. And I love the lessons that Atticus teaches his children throughout the story. This hits differently now that I’m a parent.
What’s one thing you think everyone should know about Reach?
Besides the location of the bookstore (seriously, I love it when a new shopper comes in for the first time and their eyes light up seeing our bookstore and comment on how they didn’t even know “we were back here”), I think everyone should know about our mission and why the bookstore is there in the first place. Yes, it’s fun to share our love of reading with the community, and it’s a wonderful way for people to pass their unused books on for someone else to read and love. But people should understand that by donating sellable books to our inventory, they are supporting three amazing literacy programs in the Sioux Empire. Those programs touch countless lives. They help people to not only develop literacy skills, but to learn English; and the mentoring program teaches children the joy of reading and being read to!
Do you have any goals or hopes for the future of Reach Literacy?
My hope is that we continue to get the word out about Reach and our mission and our programs and inspire others in the community to help in any way they can – either with donations or volunteering their time.
Comments