United Way Rock River Valley, Rep. Dave Vella, and Rep. Maurice West Launch "Books for Brighter Futures" Book Drive in Celebration of National Reading Month

Community partnership aims to put books in the hands of Pre-K through 3rd grade readers across the Rock River Valley

ROCKFORD, IL — March 10, 2026 — United Way Rock River Valley, Illinois State Representative Dave Vella (IL-68th District), and Illinois State Representative Maurice West (IL-67th District) today announced the launch of Books for Brighter Futures, a community book drive and distribution initiative timed to National Reading Month. The announcement was made at a press conference held at United Way Rock River Valley's offices at 612 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Rockford.

The drive will collect new and gently used books for Pre-K through 3rd grade readers now through April 10, 2026, with donations accepted at three convenient drop-off locations across the community. (See list of drop off locations below.)

"Early literacy is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a child's future," said Julie Bosma, President & CEO of United Way Rock River Valley. "This partnership with Representatives Vella and West reflects exactly the kind of cross-sector collaboration that moves the needle — connecting community resources, public leadership, and local educators to ensure every young reader has access to the books they need to thrive."

Representative Vella echoed the urgency of the effort. "The research is clear: children who read at grade level by 3rd grade are far more likely to succeed in school and beyond," said Rep. Vella. "This book drive is a simple, direct way for our community to invest in that outcome. I'm proud to open my office as a drop-off location and encourage residents across the 68th District to participate."

"National Reading Month is a reminder that literacy is a community responsibility," said Rep. West. "Books for Brighter Futures gives every resident a concrete way to support our youngest students. When we come together like this, the impact extends well beyond the shelf."

The Books for Brighter Futures drive builds on an existing foundation of community generosity. Alpine Kiwanis member Mel Welch has been a dedicated force behind local book collection efforts, delivering over 10,000 books to United Way Rock River Valley in the past two years. His ongoing work, and that of the Alpine Kiwanis, continues to fuel the community book fair and directly inspired this expanded partnership.

The Goal

United Way Rock River Valley and its legislative partners have set a community goal of collecting 2,000 books by April 10.

Donated books will serve the community in two ways. United Way Rock River Valley will host a free community book fair at its Rockford office, open to parents, teachers, and childcare providers to browse and take books at no cost. Any remaining books will be bundled and distributed directly to elementary teachers in Rockford Public Schools, ensuring every donation reaches a young reader.

The book fair will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 12:00pm-5:00pm at United Way Rock River Valley, 612 N. Main Street, Suite 300, Rockford.

Drop-off Locations