The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves in six Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Andrew Jackson, Arlington, Isaac Lane, Lincoln, and Rose Hill. The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. By volunteering just one hour each week from September to April, coaches can make a measurable impact on the lives of our students. On average, students participating in the The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year. Other program service opportunities include driving the WOW Wagon (one of our mobile libraries) within the community and donating books. This United Way program is generously supported by Leaders Education Foundation.
W.O.W. Wagon (Words on Wheels)
As an extension of The READ Team, The WOW Wagon is a mobile library that provides free books to children in local neighborhoods and schools within our service area. If you are interested in hosting the Wagon at your school or community event, please notify us at least two weeks prior to your event. Commitments are dependent upon book inventory and the availability of our staff and volunteers.
Volunteer to Coach
If the idea of helping second grade students become better readers excites you, sign up to serve as a volunteer reading coach for the upcoming school year. For just one hour each week, you can personally coach a student and help set the stage for their long-term success. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open in July.
Volunteer to Drive
We are always looking for volunteers who can drive the WOW Wagon to local neighborhoods and schools within our service area. Drivers much 18 years or older. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, contact Mandy Hobson at mhobson@unitedway.tn.org to learn more.
Donate Books
We welcome gently used children's books for the WOW Wagon, community events, and coaching sessions. Some of the more popular genres include adventure, mystery, sports, animals, and more. Contact Mandy Hobson at mhobson@unitedway.tn.org for more information.