Literacy is the foundation of education, and this year, Riverview Bank, Riverview Trust Company, and Wellpoint reinforced their commitment to young readers in Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). In celebration of Read Across America Week, these dedicated partners donated $10,000 in total to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, ensuring that first-grade students across the district receive books to take home and cherish.
The donation supported the district-wide Books and Bites event, a beloved tradition that has now marked its 30th year. Hosted by the VPS Community Schools Department, this special breakfast event took place at 25 schools, giving students and families an opportunity to celebrate literacy together. Riverview Bank has been a steadfast supporter, providing books for the past 15 years, while Wellpoint joined this mission four years ago to further enrich the experience for young learners.
This year, the donated books were available in eight different languages, underscoring the district’s commitment to multilingual literacy and family engagement. Many teachers carefully selected books in the primary language spoken at home, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that reading remains a shared experience for families of diverse backgrounds.
Beyond the financial contribution, Riverview Bank employees also volunteered their time to affix personalized bookplates inside each book, adding an extra special touch for the students receiving them. These books will be distributed throughout the district this week, making sure that every participating VPS first-grader takes home a meaningful and lasting gift.
“We are incredibly grateful to Riverview Bank, Riverview Trust, and Wellpoint for their steady support of literacy initiatives for Vancouver students,” said Timothea Sutton, Interim Executive Director at the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. “It’s inspiring to be part of a community with so many dedicated partners committed to uplifting and supporting our youth.”
Read Across America Week is the nation’s largest annual literacy initiative, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading. In Vancouver, schools celebrate with engaging activities designed to encourage young readers and promote literacy as a fundamental life skill.
For those interested in supporting students and families in the Vancouver Public School district, visit foundationforvps.org. To learn more about Read Across America, visit nea.org.
