2026 Read United

Access to books is one of the strongest predictors of early literacy and future academic success. Children who grow up surrounded by books have stronger vocabularies, develop reading skills earlier, and perform better throughout their school years. Yet far too many families in our community lack access to age‑appropriate, engaging books at home.

United Way invites you to make a meaningful impact during March is Reading Month by participating in the activities below.

March 18: United Way Literacy Kit Packing

Volunteers are needed to build 1,500 literacy kits that will be delivered to local schools and education partners. Kits will include the book, "The Caring Me I Want To Be" by Mary DiPalermo, along with related materials, crafts, games, stickers, and United Way materials. Four, 1-hour shifts are available with 20 spots each, and volunteers can sign up for multiple shifts.

Click here for more information and to register.

March 24: Book Fair at Mann Elementary

Join us as we gift new books to elementary school students to help them grow into strong readers! Volunteers are needed at Mann Learning Community in Detroit to: Help students pick out books Help keep books organized Assist with the book check-out process Assist in other areas of the event as needed.

Click here for more information and to register.

Classroom Readers

Help us instill a love of reading in our local students by reading aloud to a classroom! Complete our interest form, and based on your response, the United Way Engagement Team will assist with coordinating a day, time and location that works for you. Volunteers will have to complete a background check form and must submit their interest by March 20, 2026.

Host a Book Drive with United Way

United Way is seeking corporate partners and groups to host a book drive for new books that will be distributed to the community. After registering, we will provide a list of recommended books (which includes diverse genres, topics, and reading levels). Spanish language and bilingual (Spanish/English) books are of particularly high need!

Click here to learn more and to register.

Donate Books to United Way

To help increase access to reading materials in our community, United Way for Southeastern Michigan manages several Little Free Libraries across our region. These libraries are stocked with books that families and children can take and enjoy, helping foster an early love of reading. We also distribute books through community events and to our community partners throughout the region.

Click here to purchase books from our Amazon wish list.

Additional Literacy-Focused Opportunities

Click here to view additional literacy-focused opportunities with United Way volunteer partners.