This spring, United Way of Passaic County partnered with local schools to help spark a lifelong love of reading by bringing two sponsored Scholastic Book Fairs to students in Paterson and Clifton.
Thanks to funding that was secured more than 1,000 elementary students were able to select three free books each to build their own home libraries and continue reading throughout the summer.
For many children, this was more than a trip to the book fair—it was the first time they had the opportunity to choose brand-new books to call their own.
This initiative is especially meaningful in Passaic County, where 51% of households are living below the ALICE Threshold or in poverty, often forcing hardworking families to make impossible choices between essential expenses and items like books for their children. While books may seem like a small expense, building a home library is simply out of reach for many families.
Research consistently shows that children who have access to books at home are more likely to develop stronger literacy skills, perform better academically, and become lifelong readers. By removing financial barriers, we're helping students continue learning long after the school bell rings and reducing the "summer slide" that can impact reading achievement.
But the impact extends far beyond literacy.
Each child was empowered to browse the shelves, discover stories that sparked their curiosity, and experience the excitement of choosing books based on their own interests. That sense of ownership helps build confidence, encourages independent reading, and creates joyful learning experiences that last well beyond the classroom.
These book fairs are one example of how United Way of Passaic County is expanding youth opportunity by investing in the success of local students and ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive—regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
To every volunteer who helped students find their perfect book, every donor who made this experience possible, and every school partner who welcomed us into their classrooms, thank you.
United, we're turning pages, opening doors, and helping build brighter futures—one book at a time.