Read It Forward Recap
In partnership with Immigrant Social Services (ISS), Welcome to Chinatown is increasing students’ access and ownership of books that reflect multicultural experiences, while supporting Chinatown small businesses.
ISS and WTC started the Read it Forward initiative in response to many Chinatown and Lower East Side economically disadvantaged and/or immigrant households facing barriers to borrowing books due to school and public library closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read it Forward has taken on a new meaning with continued anti-Asian hate. Access to diverse literature provides youth with relevant life lessons and experiences that build positive identities, relationships with peers, insight on how to overcome challenges in their communities, and empowerment toward their academic success and leadership development.
Books selected for Read it Forward distribution cover themes that center the experiences of Asian Americans, immigrants, Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), and persons living with different abilities.
Impact
1,500 multicultural books and 400 meals purchased by Welcome to Chinatown
150 PS 34 students received reading packages on June 9th
250 MS 131 students received reading packages on June 10th
$14,685 back to the community
$8,340 to independent book distributor
$6,345 to Chinatown small businesses
Thank you to:
Our generous donors
Committee of 100 for tote bags
ADMERASIA and #IAMNOTAVIRUS for “History is Colorful” coloring book
