Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Your child in first grade received a literacy backpack today through Operation Teddy Bear, a program by The Volunteer Center that promotes literacy, empathy, and kindness. Early literacy has a lasting impact, and we hope these bags support your child’s learning and development.

Each backpack contains books by renowned authors and Teddy’s Beary Tale, a coloring book about kindness.

The backpacks also include educational tools and fun activities:

• Rekenrek: Counting frame to visualize numbers
• STEM Kit: Shape-based activity with instructions
• Composition Notebook: For penmanship and creativity
• Kindness Bracelets: Includes materials to make another for a friend
• Learning Clock: To practice telling time
• Crayons and Pencil: For artistic expression
• Toothbrush: To promote healthy hygiene habits
• Teddy Bear: A comforting companion to name and practice calming techniques

Volunteers teach children how volunteering benefits both giver and receiver, inspiring kindness and empathy. Research shows children who read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to graduate high school.

We’d love your feedback! Share your thoughts or stories about how the literacy bag impacts your child by completing our parent survey via the QR code in the backpack.

Thank you for supporting your child’s growth and learning!

Sincerely,

The Volunteer Center