Jacksonville, Ore. – What if one hour of your week could help shape a child’s future? SMART Reading, Oregon’s longstanding children’s literacy nonprofit, is calling on local residents to help support and empower young readers. As the organization kicks off its 34th year, it’s seeking volunteers to read with students weekly during the 2025-26 school year.

Since 1992, SMART Reading has helped more than 334,000 Oregon children build reading skills and a lifelong love of books. This year, SMART plans to serve over 800 students and give away nearly 10,000 books in the Rogue Valley, ensuring kids have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

“Our volunteers are the heart of our work,” says Leona Westdahl, SMART Reading Area Director. “Reading with a child for just one hour a week can ignite confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Volunteers often tell us it’s the best hour of their week—and the impact lasts a lifetime.”

No special experience is required and all training is provided.

Ready to get started? Learn more or sign up at www.SMARTReading.org or call 541-734-5628.

Where Help Is Needed Most:

Volunteers are needed at locations in and around Jacksonville with an especially high need at the following sites:

  • Griffin Creek Elementary

  • Mae Richardson Elementary

  • Oak Grove Elementary

  • Ruch Outdoor Community School

About SMART Reading

SMART Reading is a statewide children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools and communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and access to books. We mobilize volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. Since 1992, we have paired over 157,000 volunteers to read with 334,000 children, and have put over 4.9 million books in the homes of the children we serve. Visit www.SMARTReading.org or call 541-734-5628 to learn more.