User:Kethra/Kids Need to Read Foundation

The Kids Need to Read Foundation is an Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity that raises funds to purchase books which are donated to under-funded schools and libraries. The organization was founded by author PJ Haarsma and actor Nathan Fillion in August 2007.

History
While speaking at schools across the United States, Haarsma noticed how some school librarians were having trouble finding funds to purchase The Softwire books after a demand had been created by Haarsma's visit. Many of the librarians were struggling to fill their shelves with books. In June 2007, Haarsma and a friend, actor Nathan Fillion, approached a group of Fillion's fans with the idea for a project that would work to purchase books for underfunded schools, as well as nonprofit institutions which gave books directly to children. The group took to the idea and focused their energies into getting the project off the ground. The Kids Need to Read project went public in August 2007.

In January 2008, the process to transform the project into a legal foundation began, and the fan group was separated from the developing organization. On May 22, 2008, The Kids Need to Read Foundation (KNTR) was incorporated in the state of California. KNTR became an Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity on September 18, 2008, with a retroactive exemption date of May 22, 2008. The organization is supported by a global volunteer base.

Goals

 * To purchase books by raising funds through auctions, sales of merchandise and other available means
 * To provide books to libraries, schools and other institutions in need
 * To provide books to children through established institutions
 * To foster a love of reading in all children
 * To encourage reading among reluctant readers

Fundraising
Funds were initially raised through eBay auctions of Firefly and Serenity autographed memorabilia, and The Softwire books and items, and other science fiction and literary themed items. Fundraising efforts have expanded to include support by various sci-fi businesses and organizations. KNTR representatives also attend conventions, both comic book and sci-fi, to accept donations and to spread information about the organization.

Although the foundation separated from its fan beginnings, many science fiction fan organizations remain supportive. Browncoat groups (fans of Fillion's ill-fated television series Firefly) are some of the largest supporters of The Kids Need to Read Foundation. Several of these groups have organized fundraisers that include Serenity comic book sales, auctions, and Jayne hat knit-a-thon pledge drives. Non-Browncoat groups participate in supporting the organization as well. The Dune Sea Garrison of the 501st Legion (Star Wars fan group) performed a USO-style show at the Phoenix Cactus Comicon in January 2008 to raise funds to benefit KNTR. SpazDog Comics and Quantum Mechanix have donated the proceeds from several item sales to KNTR.

All funds are then used to purchase books from the foundation's official book list, a list which is continually updated by a professional children's book buyer. The titles chosen are well-reviewed and many are recommended for children who are reluctant readers. KNTR has made book donations to thirty-nine schools and libraries in addition to three multiple library systems. KNTR facilitated a substantial donation of three thousand books by the Phoenix Book Company to the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, to help with recuperation after Hurricane Katrina. The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic in Seattle was the recipient of a donation amounting to four hundred forty books in February 2008. This clinic, as well as the North Public Health Clinic in Seattle, have received recurring donations from KNTR.