Spreading Christmas Joy, One Book at a Time

There’s something truly special about giving a child a book for Christmas. It’s more than a gift; it’s a message that says, you matter, your story matters, and your future is bright.

Students at Grahamwood Elementary choose books for Christmas.

This holiday season, Reading With Mrs. Richardson had the joy of spreading that message across multiple schools and communities, making sure students had books of their very own to unwrap and keep.

At Millington Early Learning Center, we gifted 140 brand-new books along with cuddly bears donated by the Build-A-Bear Foundation. Seeing young children hold their books tight—some for the very first time—was a reminder of why this work means so much.

In South Memphis, at Circles of Success Learning Academy (COSLA), every single student in the school received a new book. Serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade, COSTA is a place where curiosity and growth are already thriving, and we were honored to support their students with stories they could call their own.

Over at Grahamwood Elementary, we focused on meeting students right where they are. Every 5th-grade studentreceived books to support their growing independence as readers, while teachers in other grade levels received classroom sets of books to keep literacy alive all year long.

These moments were made possible through the generosity of St. Mary’s School, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the Urban Child Institute, and the Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis. Because of their support, we were able to provide culturally relevant books—stories where children can see themselves as heroes, leaders, and dreamers, shown in a positive and powerful light.

For many of the students we served, this was the first book they’ve ever added to their personal collection. That matters. A home library even one book at a time—can change how a child sees reading and themselves.

We also made sure the love extended beyond school walls by placing 40 new books into the Little Library at the Millington YMCA, giving families in the community continued access to stories long after the holiday season.

This Christmas, we didn’t just give books, we gave confidence, joy, and possibility. And we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make that happen.

Because when a child opens a book and sees themselves inside, that’s when the real magic begins.