My name is Luci Kline, and I’m a junior at Mayfield High School with a deep love for reading. As the founder of both my school’s humanitarian book club and newspaper (and an avid free-time reader), I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful literacy can be. My ability to succeed academically, as well as to pursue outside opportunities with confidence, has been shaped by one fundamental skill: the ability to read well and love doing it.

Many children in rural communities like Mayfield don’t have the same advantage. According to data from the New York State Education Department, only about 50% of students per grade in grades 3–8 meet reading proficiency standards, with these gaps developing as early as kindergarten. Behind every statistic is a child who may struggle to keep up; this is not because they lack potential, however, but rather because they lack access to early literacy resources.

I want to help change that.

Through the funds raised from this GoFundMe, I plan to create and distribute literacy kits filled with engaging tools such as alphabet flashcards, mini whiteboards, alphabet pop-its, and other foundational reading materials. These kits will also contain parent guides for each item, as well as informational resources such as how to obtain a library card. The kits will then be donated to local pediatricians’ offices, where they can be distributed directly to young children (pre-school ages 2-4) and families who may not otherwise have access to these resources. By reaching children early, we can help spark a love of reading and set them on a path toward lifelong success, opening doors through literacy. With your support, we can give more children in our community the strong start they deserve.

Please consider donating and helping me grow the next generation of confident, capable readers.