Building Bright Futures Through the Joy of Reading

PNC Grow Up Great volunteersDuring Read Across America Week (March 2–6, 2026), our classrooms were filled with big smiles, laughter, and even bigger imaginations. It was a joyful reminder of how powerful a simple story can be in shaping a child’s world.

We were proud to welcome the PNC Grow Up Great team, who joined the celebration with energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to early literacy. Wearing Cat in the Hat hats, volunteers spent time reading Dr. Seuss stories with children, bringing books to life and creating meaningful one-on-one moments that left a lasting impression.

As Dr. Seuss reminds us, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Moments like these help open that world of possibilities for the children we serve.

Their impact extends far beyond a single week. Last year, PNC Grow Up Great volunteers reached an incredible milestone of 100 volunteer hours, unlocking a $6,000 grant to support early childhood education at NVFS. This kind of partnership helps ensure that our programs continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for the children and families we serve.

For the children in our programs, these moments are more than just fun, they are foundational. Reading alongside caring adults helps build essential language skills, strengthen comprehension, and spark creativity and curiosity. It also fosters a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

At NVFS, we know that strong starts lead to brighter futures. We are grateful to partners like PNC Grow Up Great and all of our dedicated volunteers who help make these moments possible.

Together, we are building brighter futures, one story at a time.

For those interested in volunteering, contact NVFS at volunteer@nvfs.org so we can match your interests with our needs and create a meaningful experience for everyone.  To explore current opportunities, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page. You can also support early childhood education at NVFS by making a gift to help more children build strong foundations for the future.