Planting Books - Seeds 4 a Better Future
Let's be The community that cares! Let's be the ones that step up!
There is much in life we can't change,
but some things we can do.
To learn more, read our 2025-2026 Annual Report.
Planting Books - Seeds 4 a Better Future
SUPPORTING LITERACY
FOR LONG-TERM POSITIVE IMPACT
We are a not-for-profit charitable organization working to support childhood literacy in Rock Island. Encouraging young children to read can have life-long benefits, and ownership of high-quality books is a big step in the right direction. Every year, we distribute hundreds of books in schools with the greatest need and we are seeing the effects of our efforts. Having started this work in 2022, we continue to expand our programs to include more students through more projects. The support of our community is essential and that's where you come in. Please explore this site for more information and don't hesitate to reach out to learn more. Even better: become involved. Much in life is difficult, but we do have the power to to work for good and we can make a difference. That's what Planting Books - Seeds 4 a Better Future is all about.
Logo design by Melissa Conway, Bettendorf, Iowa
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
To support literacy of populations for whom our contributions may have the greatest long-term positive impact. This includes, but is not limited to, children from traditionally underserved backgrounds and their families, their schools, and community organizations with a role in their literacy development. We undertake this work from a perspective of social justice, seeking to help recipients of our support gain greater equity in all areas of life.
OUR IMPACT
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
Countless studies show how important strong reading skills are for the intellectual and social development of a child. We also know that children who don't read at the right level by grade four never catch up for the rest of their lives. So far, we have given sets of three high-quality children's books to 630 students in the West End of Rock Island to help them become better readers. But much remains to e done. Supporting children in Kindergarten and 1st and 2nd grades has life-long benefits and holds promise for the future. That's what our work is all about.
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
WHO WE ARE
Board of Directors
Tamara Felden, President (2026)
Angela Campbell (2026)
Bernadette Carmack (2027)
Kurt Christoffel (2026)
Ranell Dennis (2029)
Judy Gackle (2027)
Volunteers
Thurgood Brooks, Nick Carmack, Susan Dechert, Daniel Flosi, Cynthia Green, Renata Lara-Ramirez, Kristi Masterson, Nikki Melody, Nancy Morris, Natalie Mulholland, Shaniece Payne, Laurie Smith, Elena Vallejo
Additional Payment Options
With Give Butter, you can donate once or monthly and make your donation in honor or memory of a loved one.
We are Grateful for our Partners and Donors
our ambitions for the future
We have given books to more kids this year, but much remains to be done
Looking ahead to next year, our goals include:
- Expanding our book distribution to include three grades at Frances Willard School;
- Working with parents to understand their roles and needs better as they help their children read;
- Expanding our work to 3rd grade with writing projects;
- Creating community events to highlight the performance of our young readers;
- Growing our board and our team of volunteers.
For all that, we need your help!
Become a Planting Books Hero
Support Our Programs
Fundraising is an essential part of our work. Donating and encouraging others to donate is key to our success. Can you team up with others at work, in your church, or as part of your community organization to combine funds for a group donation?
Volunteer With Us
From event planning to administrative tasks to building our reading tutor corps, we need your help. Join us and become a Planting Books Helping Hero today.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about our cause by sharing our mission with friends and family, in your civic organizations and other groups. Follow us on social media and invite others to join our community.
The 2026 books for Kindergarten students at rock Island academy
The 2026 books for first-grade students at rock Island academy
The 2026 books for second-grade students at rock Island academy
The 2026 books for second-grade students at frances willard school
We need your support
As we support children's love of reading, the long-term impact of our work may be decisive for their future.
Let's be the community that steps up!
We invite you to become a partner in this work by donating and volunteering. To volunteer, please complete the contact form below.