tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43236036288144430842011-07-28T23:49:54.817-07:00Read Indeed is an early literacy initiative and the vision of Maria, a book-loving 4th grader who wants to make the world a better place—one book at a time. Maria's goal is to collect and distribute 1,000,000 books to needy children by the time she's 18.About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comBlogger161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-22056757182257587982010-07-14T06:20:00.000-07:002010-07-14T06:21:23.326-07:00Maria has moved her blog to her new web site: www.readindeed.org!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-2205675718225758798?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-31325943420659184272009-06-16T05:58:00.000-07:002009-06-16T06:01:15.562-07:00I was interviewed on Showcase Minnesota yesterday about Read Indeed and the book drive that M&I Bank and Waterpark of America are doing. I was really nervous! You can see it here: <br /><br />http://www.showcaseminnesota.com/show/client_article.aspx?storyid=797346<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-3132594342065918427?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-16745021609385282672009-06-02T04:45:00.000-07:002009-06-10T13:50:04.155-07:00Books play an important roll in helping kids learn and teaching them about the world they live it. It's never to early for kids to have a book. Unfortunately, there are many kids who don't have the opportunity to have their own books, and we're hoping you'll help us change that.<br /><br />This summer, KARE 11 is collecting books for Read Indeed. Read Indeed is a local literacy initiative. It is the vision of Maria, a book-loving 3rd grader who wants to make the world a better place-one book at a time. Maria's goal is to collect and distribute 1,000,000 books to needy children by the time she's 18. We hope that this summer she'll get much closer to her goal.<br />Throughout June and July, bring your donation of new and gently used children's books to any M&I Bank location. As an added incentive, for every 20 books you donate (or $20 cash donation) you will receive a free pass to the Water Park of America.*<br />Help share the gift of reading this summer by donating a book to a child in need.<br />*Offer limited to donations made at M&I Twin Cities locations, <br />including Hudson and Prescott, WI through July 31, 2009. Limit <br />of two per household, while supplies last. Each voucher is valued <br />at $25.<br />(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-1674502160938528267?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-29553512112831884932009-05-04T07:15:00.000-07:002009-05-04T07:16:44.706-07:00Today, May 4, Read Indeed was featured on Cities97 with BT and Lee Valsvik! They were great in helping get the word out about Maria's program!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-2955351211283188493?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-2833654727132104792009-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:002009-04-27T05:59:54.682-07:00Great news! The Child's World, a publishing company in Mankato has offered Maria 30,000 books for Read Indeed. We are trying to arrange the pickup and delivery of the books by a trucking company who would offer their services. If you know of anyone who would be willing to donate this service, please let us know!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-283365472713210479?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-1655466992363037762009-03-30T14:36:00.000-07:002009-03-30T14:39:45.682-07:00take KARE of your FAMILY<br />Plymouth girl works to change one million lives<br />Updated: 3/30/2009 3:30:10 PM<br /><br />According to the National Commission on Reading, the single most important factor influencing a child's early educational success is being introduced to books at home before beginning school.<br /><br />A Plymouth girl who has loved reading all her life is working hard to get stories into the hands of kids who've never had books of their own. <br /><br />Maria Keller loves sharing a good story. <br /><br />"Little pig, little pig, let me in," Maria said while reading aloud from a children's book. <br /><br />She loves sharing with her little brother Ryan and children who've never heard about the Little Pigs' happy ending. <br /><br />Maria's hoping to share...with a whole lot of those children. <br /><br />"The program is called Read Indeed," Maria's mom Maura Keller said. <br /><br />Read Indeed is eight-year-old Maria's big idea to bring books to little readers all over the world. <br /><br />"She just came up with this number that I want to do a million books. And at first she said a million books and I took a gasp. And then she said by the time I'm 18, which is almost nine years from now." Maura said. <br /><br />One million books by the time Maria turns 18. <br /><br />"It's a huge goal," Maura added. <br /><br />It's a huge goal that's starting to get an equally-huge response. <br /><br />"My dining room's going to be taken over by books for the next nine years. But I'm ok with that," Maura said smiling. <br /><br />Stacks and stacks of only the sturdiest books. Even with lofty goal of a million stories, Maria's still got high standards. <br /><br />"The spine might be breaking. We don't want that. We want it to last a while," Maria said. "We've got about 5,000 to 6,000 now." <br /><br />Some books have already hand-delivered to a thankful staff at St. Joseph's Home for Children in Minneapolis. <br /><br />"They said thank you and they liked it. Made me feel pretty good," Maria said. <br /><br />Others will soon go Native American kids living on a Nebraska reservation. <br /><br />"She's giving them something that they can call their own. And there are so many children that she has been told who have never literally owned a book in their entire life," Maura said. <br /><br />If Maria's story ends as planned, nine years from now there will be one million more kids who've heard a story with a happy ending. <br /><br />Maria and her family would like thank everyone who's already contributed to the effort. You can find out more about helping with the collection and follow Maria's book count by going to her web page. Click here to go to Read Indeed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-165546699236303776?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-26704491080260278332009-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:002009-04-07T19:08:56.890-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1tyMxMuiZgc/SdwHLHzl3yI/AAAAAAAAACY/tzWK8g3XrLk/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 83px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1tyMxMuiZgc/SdwHLHzl3yI/AAAAAAAAACY/tzWK8g3XrLk/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322136747300478754" /></a><br />Maria just donated books to the lending library at Kids Saving the Rainforest in Manuel Antonia, Costa Rica. Kids Saving the Rainforest is a non-profit organization founded in 1999. In addition to the rehabilitation of animals, Kids Saving the Rainforest also has a Educational Center where children can check out books. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-2670449108026027833?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-27827555420654680942009-03-25T08:52:00.000-07:002009-03-26T15:09:18.435-07:00Maria was interviewed for KARE 11 news and her story will be featured on Friday's news programs. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-2782755542065468094?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-43843428189379976922009-03-18T16:47:00.000-07:002009-04-07T19:13:14.902-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1tyMxMuiZgc/SdwINWtHwhI/AAAAAAAAACg/VwpMyOpkknU/s1600-h/ReadIndeed2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1tyMxMuiZgc/SdwINWtHwhI/AAAAAAAAACg/VwpMyOpkknU/s320/ReadIndeed2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322137885171237394" /></a><br />It's Maria here .... I just learned that the second graders at Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul are leading a book drive for Read Indeed! I can't wait to get so many more books! So if someone from Nova Classical Academy is reading this... I want to say 'thanks' for trying to get so many books for my program!!!  I can't wait to see how many books you are able to get for needy kids!<div><br /></div><div>Also, whoever is reading this... and you haven't had a chance to donate any books, contact me at readindeedforkids@yahoo.com if you have any books to donate. It's Springtime so clean those bookshelves! Thanks sooooo much for helping! I am nearing 5,000 books! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to ask me any questions, contact me at readindeedforkids@yahoo.com. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-4384342818937997692?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-14894523450572838302009-03-05T06:57:00.000-08:002009-05-02T18:20:00.835-07:00Thanks so much to the students from the following schools who have donated hundreds of books:  <div><br /></div><div>Queen of Peace</div><div>Creighton University</div><div>Althoff </div><div>Holy Name</div><div>Northeast Metro 916</div><div>Nova Classical Academy</div><div>Armstrong H.S.</div><div>St. Joseph's High School</div><div>Mount Carmel</div><div>St. Thomas</div><div>Greenwood Elementary</div><div>Sacred Heart</div><div>Benilde-St. Margaret</div><div>Iowa State University</div><div>West Dubuque</div><div>Elizabeth Ann Seton School</div><div>Pilgrim Lane</div><div>Beacon Academy</div><div>Notre Dame Academy</div><div>Meadowbrook</div><div>Providence Academy</div><div>Birchview Elementary</div><div>Marquette University</div><div>St. Bartholomew</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-1489452345057283830?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-14149038424574258282009-03-04T07:22:00.001-08:002009-03-04T07:25:38.870-08:00Yesterday Maria brought nearly 200 books to the Northside Life Care Center. The majority of the books were brand new or like new. Northside plans on using the books in their Small Steps program where expecting moms use "Baby Bucks" to buy items for their new baby. They earn "Baby Bucks" by taking part in various educational programs that help them learn all about being a parent. Northside took Maria's picture and will be including her in their next newsletter. She and her brother also received a tour of the facility to learn all about how they help needy moms/dads and their babies. We'll post a copy of the article when it comes out! <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-1414903842457425828?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-51541584854104790582009-03-02T09:34:00.000-08:002009-03-05T12:22:15.810-08:00Maria has collected approximately 1,500 books in the last two weeks for the Native American students in Nebraska! And this doesn't even count the book drives that she is holding at Holy Name of Jesus and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church! She can't wait to see the treasure troves of books that she collects from those two churches. Just today Maria picked up 55 books that were placed in the "Read Indeed" bin at Holy Name! <div><br /></div><div>Thanks to everyone who continually drops books off at our front door! They are often wonderful surprises for Maria to find after school and at other times. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Tuesday Maria will be donating nearly 150 new and like-new board books for expectant mothers and their babies at Northside Life Care Center! </div><div><br /></div><div>Please continue to pass the word on about Maria's wonderful program to friends and family who are looking to Spring Clean their bookshelves! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-5154158485410479058?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-59717979535472518092009-02-24T15:49:00.000-08:002009-02-24T19:57:59.587-08:00It's only been a little over a week since Maria sent out her "Virtual Book Drive" via email to family and friends. Maria is now up to 800 books for the Native American kids in Nebraska! Wahoo!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-5971797953547251809?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-41502979715003743512009-02-20T08:29:00.001-08:002009-02-20T08:30:33.115-08:00Since last week, Maria has collected nearly 400 books for the Native American school in Nebraska! Thanks to everyone who has donated! Keep the books coming!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-4150297971500374351?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-5354586784234250352009-01-09T17:17:00.000-08:002009-03-14T18:35:41.848-07:00WE NEED BOOKS FOR KIDS!<div><br /></div><div>Read Indeed is a literacy initiative created by a young girl who wants to place as many books in the hands of needy children as possible. As part of this program, children of all ages receive new or like-new books. The books are distributed to parents in hospitals, health clinics, crisis pregnancy centers, churches, libraries, and shelters. <div><br /></div><div>For early literacy donations, each book package includes a book along with literacy information and simple steps parents can take to enhance their child's exposure to books. Other book donations are giving in bulk to libraries and other organization serving children in various capacities. <div><br /></div><div>Since 2007, Read Indeed has distributed more than 1,000 books to children. Most recently, Read Indeed collected more than 200 books for St. Joseph's Home for Children. Currently Maria is working to collect books for a Native American reservation in Nebraska that is desperately in need of books for their school. </div><div><br /></div><div>Read Indeed is always looking for donations of books—both new and like new. Please email readindeedforkids@yahoo.com.  We can arrange for the pickup/drop off of books at your convenience. </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-535458678423425035?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4323603628814443084.post-355233453814020352008-01-16T17:18:00.001-08:002009-03-06T20:27:55.034-08:00By providing early literacy information to parents, they will begin to learn the importance of reading to children of all ages, in order to instill healthy reading habits early on.<br /><br />As part of this program, newborns, toddlers, school-age kids, and teens receive new or like-new books. The books are distributed to hospitals, health clinics, schools, residential facilities, doctors' offices, crisis pregnancy centers, and shelters. Each book package includes information on early literacy and simple steps parents can take to enhance their child's exposure to books and written materials. <div><br /></div><div>As of January 2009, Read Indeed has donated more than 1,000 books to needy children. <br /><br />Read Indeed is always looking for donations of books—both new and like-new titles for babies and toddlers. To donate, please send an email to readindeedforkids@yahoo.com.<br /><br />Monetary contributions also help fund the printing of the literacy information included with each package as well as delivery costs involved.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4323603628814443084-35523345381402035?l=readindeedforkids.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07719976185251379837noreply@blogger.com