Dear VE Friends and Volunteers,

We did it. You did it.

We set a goal for Unite.Act.Engage 2010 and you made it happen. We are now confidently marching into 2011, bolstered by the support of our VE family.

Yet, with one milestone already reached, your kindness didn’t stop there. Supporters have already confirmed numerous upcoming fundraising events that will help put the cherry (or maybe a whole new scoop!) onto the stunning generosity we have already witnessed this past year. We here at VE are all utterly grateful. Thank you for believing in the work we do and supporting our efforts with the children.

Welcome to the January class!

The VE office is absolutely buzzing right now with excitement. The new volunteer class just finished orientation week. We have eight new volunteers from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France and the United States and their fresh energy has rejuvenated the VE spirit!

¡Bienvenidos!

113 New Books For ¡Vamos a Leer!

The ¡Vamos a Leer! book drive brought in 196 new reading materials for our children. Volunteers placed collection boxes throughout the city and locals helped support our summer literacy program with book donations.

¡Vamos a Leer! is an annual program run in each institution. Volunteers help to foster a learning environment that encourages, supports, and motivates the children to attain greater levels of reading proficiency and a sense of individual achievement.

Altogether, we collected 106 books and 78 miscellaneous publications, including magazines, comics and art books. We were also able to buy 12 new titles with donated funds, including three new books in the Harry Potter series.

The program is now up and running. Volunteers have been receiving incredibly positive feedback -- and some kids are already onto their second book! We're excited to see where the rest of the reading frenzy leads!

Un Abrazo,

Josh Pilz
Executive Director