Kids to Kids is a children's literacy project sponsored by Spread the Word Nevada. Learn more about the staff members that make Kids to Kids such a success. Or click here to read about some of our programs.

Public libraries are essential centers of learning, but access to books at the library is not enough. The ownership of books is a critical factor in every child's intellectual development. Young children who own books will read them over and over again, memorizing the stories and learning to follow and identify the words on each page. Kids to Kids puts books into the homes of youngsters and gives them the opportunity to develop their own personal library collections for use at home. These books are kept and treasured.

The flagship program of Kids to Kids distributes books in elementary schools throughout Southern Nevada (see a list of the participating schools in the sidebar, right).

Learn more about our programs and activities:

Cleaning Parties
Books From Badges
Breakfast With Books
Books & Buddies

Read some of the letters from our kids, and our community partners.

During the initial distribution at an adopted school, all pre-kindergarten through 5th grade students receive a canvas tote bag that serves as a "safe-keeping" place for storing their book collections. Five new or gently used books are selected at this kick-off celebration, and then, once a month, one additional book is selected to add to their libraries. If children tire of their books, or outgrow them, they may trade them for other, more appealing or appropriate, titles.

Kids to Kids was named "Outstanding Charity of the Year" for 2005 by The Nevada Community Foundation. The Nevada Community Foundation honored Kids to Kids at its "Celebration of Giving" event in October, 2005. To be recognized by an organization of philanthropists is an incredible affirmation that we're making a difference.

On November 2, 2006, Kids to Kids received the Governor's Points of Light Award. The award recognizes organizations for their dedication, commitment, and determination in promoting and supporting volunteerism throughout the state. The award is given by the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service. Kids to Kids won in the category of "Nonprofit Agency/Service Organization."

Kids to Kids is proud to work with many generous community partners and sponsors. Through these partnerships, books get into the hands of the children who most need them.

Kids to Kids operates under Spread the Word Nevada. The nonprofit corporation, as a whole, is managed by dedicated and hard-working officers:

Laurie Hartig, Founder and Director of Programs
Lisa Habighorst, Executive Director

The program is governed by an experienced Board of Directors:

Officers:
Susan J. Miller, Interim President & Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Board
Key State Corporate Management
Robert Carroll, Treasurer
Director of Finance, The Howard Hughes Corporation
Irene Lee, Secretary Children's Community Advocate

Boardmembers-at-Large:
David Browning, Development Manager
Landtek LLC
Steve Chartrand, President & CEO
Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada
Ann Evans, Sales Representative
Neiman Marcus
Jean Frederick, District Manager
Majestic Foundation
Marilyn Loop, Sales Representative
Pearson Prentice Hall
Terry Murphy, President
Strategic Solutions
Kristin Norton, Children's Community Advocate
Angela Otto, Partner
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Scott Roeben, Internet Marketing
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.

Spread the Word Nevada receives much needed experience and support from its Honorary Board of Directors:

Thalia Dondero, Vice Chair, Board of Regents
Robert Ferraro, Mayor of Boulder City
James Gibson, Mayor of Henderson
Oscar Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas
Michael Montandon, Mayor of North Las Vegas
Bruce Woodbury, Clark County Commissioner

When Kids to Kids was established, little did we know that in addition to having an impact on the lives of children at adopted schools, the Kids to Kids program would touch literally tens of thousands of additional lives:

the youngsters who give up their books to help others
the senior citizens who come to depend on the social interaction enjoyed while cleaning and repairing the books
the intellectually challenged young adults who beam with pride over their jobs as "book cleaners"
the scouts, church groups, community organizations, school groups, and junior and senior honor societies who plan and carry out book drives and cleaning and sorting duties
the volunteers who see the transformation in children's faces as they select the very first book they can call "their own"
the police officers who have children in high crime neighborhoods approach them not in fear but in friendship to ask for books to take home and keep
the parents and siblings who celebrate the joy of reading or even learn to read or speak English through the Kids to Kids home libraries and programs

You can participate by donating the gently used books your family no longer reads. Hold a book drive in your neighborhood or through a local community organization. Become a volunteer, or send a tax deductible donation.

Show your support by downloading our official Kids to Kids desktop wallpaper. Find out more.

Contact us to get involved!

Find Out More About Kids to Kids