Staff Reports | Community Updates
Extending through April 15, Arizonans can maximize their Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and get books into the hands of children throughout the state.
This initiative provides books to children who are unlikely to have books in their homes and helps parents by providing knowledge to parents about how books can be used to help their child develop the language and communication skills that will be so valuable later in life, according to a press release.
In neighborhoods here in the Valley, two out of three children lack access to books at home, a barrier that significantly impacts their future academic success. Research shows that early literacy is a key factor in long-term achievement, yet nearly half of Arizona kindergarteners enter school without foundational literacy skills, the release states.
“Literacy begins long before a child enters a classroom,” says Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development. “Through the Grow A Reader Virtual Book Drive, we’re not just giving books—we’re giving families the resources and confidence to support their child’s early learning at home.”
How the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit helps
Through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, individuals can make a dollar-for-dollar donation to Grow A Reader — up to $470 for individuals and $938 for couples filing jointly — at no additional cost when filing their state taxes. This means donors can directly support childhood literacy while reducing their state tax bill.
By directing tax credit contributions to ‘Grow A Reader,’ donors help provide books and early literacy support to families who might otherwise not have access to these vital resources.
Officials at Southwest Human Development are making it even easier for employees at companies to participate because the book drive is virtual. Step-by-step instructions and email templates are provided for corporate office participants, and retail participants receive Grow A Reader flowerpots or table tents for their customers’ experience and participation.
