In Durand, we’re on a mission to make daily reading with young children a natural, easy habit—something families look forward to rather than fit in.
We all know that good habits stick when they’re obvious, fun, simple, and rewarding. Reading to kids checks every one of those boxes. When parents and caregivers read regularly with their little ones, the results are easy to see. Babies and toddlers start recognizing words faster, preschoolers walk into kindergarten more prepared, and students who read at grade level continue to learn more confidently as they grow.
But let’s face it—life is busy. Parents work long days, schedules fill up fast, and screens compete for everyone’s
attention. That’s why Durand Charm, with support from United Way of Rock River Valley, is helping families make reading time easier to start and easier to stick with.
Thanks to financial backing from United Way, Durand Charm has been able to launch several literacy-focused programs designed to put books directly into families’ hands—along with materials that make learning together fun and accessible.
Our community book distributions have helped families build home libraries during events like Charm’s Summer Reading Program, Santa’s Visit at the Village’s Jingle & Mingle, Halloween on the Square’s Trunk or Treat, and the Back-to-School Open House at Durand schools.
Inside the classroom, United Way’s support helps extend those same opportunities to young learners. Through the Page Turners program, preschoolers enjoy storytime with a shared book and matching curriculum—then each child gets to take their own copy home to keep. Funding also supports Nature’s Classroom, where teachers use books to connect reading with outdoor exploration.
This school year’s signature project, One Book, One School, will give every family a copy of Brambleheart to read together. Families will follow a shared reading schedule and receive ideas for interactive activities to bring each chapter to life. The program will wrap up with a community event where families come together to read the final chapter as one big celebration of learning.
Through these efforts, Durand Charm hopes to make early literacy part of daily life—reminding families that reading together not only builds skills but also strengthens bonds.
We’re incredibly grateful to United Way of Rock River Valley for recognizing how vital early reading is and for helping us bring books, programs, and joy into more homes.