Tasha, my vote is to give the gift of reading!

Amazing at it seems, 1 in 5 adults in Indianapolis are unable to read this very posting!!

It is not because they are unteachable, it is because somewhere, somehow, they were failed by our system. Many illiterate adults are dyslexic, or have some other learning disability, but were never diagonesed in school. Many had to drop out of school to support their family. But now, as adults, they have decided to take control of their lives and come to Indy Reads to learn how to read and write.

Adult Illiteracy is an educational, health, economic, and family issue. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy estimates that 100,000 adults in Marion County are functionally illiterate. They can't fill out a job application, read a prescription, take a driver's test, or check their child's homework. Illiteracy impacts the individual, and the family: it is difficult to work, and near impossible to be self-sufficient. Illiteracy is linked to poverty, criminal activity, poor health and early death. A parent's literacy level accurately predicts a child's future academic and economic success. Reading for pleasure isn't even an option if you're illiterate. This is about reading for survival.

The Solution: Indy Reads is the only organization in Central Indiana accredited by ProLiteracy Worldwide providing free basic adult literacy tutoring. Utilizing trained volunteers we reach over 400 students annually, helping them to become self-sufficient. Volunteer training is the foundation of our organization.

We welcome you to give the GIFT OF READING this holiday season, either by becoming a volunteer, or by making a donation to support the tutoring of our students.

Please visit us at www.indyreads.com for more information - or watch our video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwV32zGkdJ0

Travis DiNicola Executive Director of Indy Reads

I will add it to the list...thanks for the info.