During Read Across America Week, the classrooms at NVFS’ Early Care and Education Centers were filled with big smiles, laughter, and even bigger imaginations. It was a joyful reminder of how powerful a simple story can be in shaping a child’s world.
We were proud to welcome the PNC Grow Up Great team, who joined the celebration with energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to early literacy. Wearing Cat in the Hat hats, volunteers spent time reading Dr. Seuss stories with children — bringing books to life and creating meaningful one-on-one moments that left a lasting impression on children and volunteers alike.
As Dr. Seuss reminds us: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Moments like these help open that world of possibilities for the children we serve.
The impact of PNC Grow Up Great’s commitment extends far beyond a single week. Last year, their volunteers reached an incredible milestone of 100 volunteer hours — unlocking a $6,000 grant to support early childhood education at NVFS. That kind of sustained partnership helps ensure our programs continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for the children and families we serve.
For the children in our programs, these moments are more than just fun — they are foundational. Reading alongside caring adults builds essential language skills, strengthens comprehension, and sparks the creativity and curiosity that fuel a lifelong love of learning.
At NVFS, we know that strong starts lead to brighter futures. We are grateful to partners like PNC Grow Up Great and all of our dedicated volunteers who make these moments possible — one story at a time.
Interested in volunteering with NVFS? Contact us at volunteer@nvfs.org or explore current volunteer opportunities. You can also make a gift to support early childhood education at NVFS and help more children build the strong foundations they deserve.
