Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!

Your unwavering support of students and educators nationwide is truly remarkable, and we want you to know just how much we appreciate your efforts. That’s why we’ll be celebrating YOU all month long. 

Whether you volunteer in one of our audiobook production roles or participate in strategic initiatives, such as call campaigns, research, or educator engagement, your efforts open up a world of opportunities for students who struggle with reading. Your support in each volunteer project helps Learning Ally provide essential resources for students, educators, families, and schools, bringing us closer to achieving literacy for all. If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer yet, we're still glad you're here! Your interest in our mission leads to a greater awareness of our solutions for students.  

To give you a glimpse of your impact, we have a special message from Mrs. Purvis, the mother of Justin Purvis, a student who has been using Learning Ally since his freshman year of high school. Hear what Mrs. Purvis has to say about volunteers. Thanks to your support and Learning Ally's Audiobook Solution, Justin is now attending university to pursue his passion for drawing. Read Justin’s story and check out his artwork, now on display at Learning Ally's headquarters.  

To celebrate your impact on students, we have some exciting things planned this month! Here’s what you can look forward to:

Join us for Learning Ally's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event

Join us on April 27th from 4:00 to 5:00 PM ET for our Volunteer Appreciation Event! We'll be celebrating 75 years of transforming the lives of struggling readers together and honoring YOU, our amazing volunteers. You'll hear inspiring stories from students, parents, and Learning Ally's President and CEO, Andrew Friedman. 

But that's not all - stick around for the second half of the event where you can connect, socialize, and celebrate with fellow volunteers and staff members from around the world! This portion will be like stepping into a social gathering to meet like-minded individuals, but with the convenience of doing so from the comfort of your home. 

You won't want to miss this! We hope to see you there.  

Register here to attend. 

Participate in our first-ever Virtual Scavenger Hunt and win PRIZES!

Embark on a virtual scavenger hunt with your fellow volunteers this month! Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or a newcomer, this is a great opportunity to explore the 75-year history of Learning Ally and engage in some friendly competition. Did we mention there will be prizes?! 

The volunteers with the most correct answers will be entered into a drawing to win Learning Ally swag and a bracelet made by one of our student users, Eli! Eli generously donated his bracelets to our scavenger hunt to say thank you for helping him with reading. 

So, what are you waiting for? Join in the fun and participate in our Virtual Scavenger Hunt!

Did we mention Learning Ally is celebrating our 75th-Year Anniversary? 

That’s right - 75 years of volunteer support. Not many organizations have had this privilege. For over 75 years, Learning Ally and volunteers have been working to bring equitable access to education together. We believe that’s cause for celebration, don’t you? Read our latest blog celebrating 75 years of volunteer service.

That’s not all! You can also look forward to… 

• The awarding of the Mary Alyce and John Merow Volunteer Service Awards. 
• Volunteer shout-outs across Learning Ally’s social media: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 
• Your photos featured in content throughout the month: There's still time to share your volunteer from home selfie! Upload your selfie and check out the many other volunteers who have submitted their photos. 

We’re so excited to celebrate you, volunteers! Stay tuned! 

Maria Lelie

Program Manager, Volunteer and Community Services

Thank you to everyone who donated their time in February. We had 124 volunteers serve last month. We are so grateful for your continued support of our mission! 

A very special welcome to all new volunteers and THANK YOU to all returning volunteers.