Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign!

Make sure there are enough books to go around! 

Teachers and librarians are often left with no funding for new books.  Many library shelves are nearly empty or full of out-dated, tattered, and torn books.  With these conditions, how do we expect to inspire a love of reading and writing in our children?

Culturatti Kids, a youth-based, literary arts organization, works with teachers and librarians to make sure their libraries are fully-stocked, operational, and diverse.  Right now, we are receiving more book requests from teachers and librarians than we could handle alone.  The amount of requests is steadily increasing as school budget cuts continue. 

In tough economic times such as these, budgets are being slashed or eliminated all over the country and our school libraries are feeling the crunch.

There are several ways you can help us make sure there are enough books to go around: 

Donate Books 

You can help by donating one or many NEW or VERY GENTLY used books appropriate for K-12 students.  The most requested genres include classic novels, historical fiction, early reader, and poetry.  We will make sure your donations are put to good use. 

Join the Get Hoppa Moving Campaign

The new children’s book, Hoppa’s Big Move will be an important part of our fundraising efforts for 2010.  All of the proceeds from this book are being donated to Culturatti Kids.  Our goal is for Hoppa’s Big Move to reach all 50 states.  You can get your copy here.   

Spread the Word

You can show your support and help spread the word by joining us at Facebook, Twitter, Ning or Hoppa’s Big Move Blog.

Author, Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, will visit any public elementary school in the country to speak to students about literature, becoming an author, publishing and, of course, Hoppa’s Big Move.  Author visits are free with no obligation.  Please contact Aprill Shelburne, Director of School Partnerships for more information or to schedule a visit.

Book donations may be mailed to our office at:

 Culturatti Kids
11650 Olio Road
Suite 1000-269
Fishers, IN 46037

Contact us at 888-849-6070 or support@culturattikids.org to arrange bulk shipments.

If you only had $2 to give, would it make a difference?

TWO DOLLAR BILL
Originally uploaded by Doublep1

***Update 17 June 2009***
Dani has received such an overwhelming response to her project that she has established a dedicated blog for it here!

******
Would such a small amount really make that much of an impact in the world? Culturatti Kids was recently asked that question by Dani over at Orange Salad and Pecan Dressing. This summer throughout Chicago, she is leaving envelopes with $2 and a note asking people to let her know what they've done with the money. She's already got some wonderful responses that we highly suggest that you check out at her blog and it got us to thinking:

What would $2 mean to Culturatti Kids and supporting literacy?

$2 would buy...

• 64 crayons so that kids could illustrate their own stories
• 400 index cards for kids take notes on books they are reading, use as bookmarks, write down their favorite book to give to another student, etc.
• 2 songs on iTunes that can be licensed on 5 computers to teach youth about poetry, lyric writing, and creative storytelling
• 6 pocket folders for youth store their writing work
• 2 1-subject notebooks to keep as writing journals
• 50 sheets of 11x8-1/2 storytelling paper (blank on top for pictures, lined on the bottom for the story and fold-able to make a book!)
• 3 black and white composition books
• 200 sheets of notebook filler paper for writing of course!
• 100 sheets of copy paper for youth to make their own story books
• 36 #2 pencils because most great books started pencil to paper
• 4 1st class stamps so students can learn the lost art of letter writing
• 1 Teddy Bear that can become the traveling mascot of Culturatti Kids with each classroom he visits adding something to his story
• 30 blank bookmarks that kids can design themselves
• 2 used posters to prompt kids how "A picture is worth 1,000 words"
• 2 cans of coffee to use as time capsules in which students put stories based on how they see the future
• 20 used books at the Salvation Army
• 2 copies of USA today to teach students about journalism
• 1 cup of coffee for a WWII vet who volunteered his time to speak to a class of students who then write his story
  

When you really think about it, $2 can go a long way in changing someone's life! What would $2 mean to you?

Culturatti Kids Is Ready to Be Seen and Heard!

Culturatti Kids, a division of The Culture Connection Foundation, has been working hard this year getting our foundation 509 status (supreme importance in non-profit world) and getting our fundraisers up and working. We are happy to announce that we are starting to work with schools in the Indianapolis area and beyond.

Please subscribe to our blog to learn more about upcoming events and fundraisers and also to see where we are working and donating time, money and supplies.

Our Best,
CK