Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kids Need to Read a 501(c)(3) organization?
Kids Need to Read is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation and is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. The effective date of our exemption was May 22, 2008. Contributions to Kids Need to Read are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. We are further classified as a 509(a)(2) public charity. The foundation’s Employer Identification Number is 26-2755631.
How do you choose the libraries, schools and other institutions you donate to?
We accept requests from libraries, schools, and various literacy programs on our website (www.kidsneedtoread.org, "Request a Donation”). A school, library, or other institution receiving books from Kids Need to Read must be a governmental or 501(c)(3) organization. We prioritize submissions based upon severity of need and probability of impact upon the children served. KNTR provides books accompanied by a list of activities encouraging literacy, creativity, and social responsibility. Upon completion of at least one suggested activity, KNTR will provide a second set of books with a list of more activities. Submissions from programs serving adolescent juvenile offenders, youths living in poor urban or rural communities, immigrant children, kids with learning challenges, or children living on Native American reservations are strongly encouraged.
How many schools and organizations have you donated to thus far?
We have provided books to sixty-one schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States. Kids Need to Read also facilitated the donation of three thousand books to the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
How do I submit a donation request to KNTR?
If you'd like to send us information about a library or other institution that could benefit from KNTR's book donations, please visit our requests page.
How was your official book list created?
A professional children’s book buyer created our book list based on the criteria of our Mission Statement, as well as the appropriateness of the books for the development of reading skills by children of the various age groups indicated on the list. We mix popular books with excellent, relatively undiscovered books to help broaden libraries’ collections. We identify and donate a variety of books that appeal to reluctant readers and multicultural audiences, in addition to books from often overlooked genres, such as science fiction. The Kids Need to Read book list is an excellent tool for teachers to use as a guide for high quality, kid-appealing books.
How do you decide which books to donate to a given organization?
For schools, we choose books based on the age ranges the schools serve. For public libraries, we look at what is currently in circulation to avoid books they may all ready have. Donations to other nonprofit institutions are based on ages served and special needs. We consider and address any specific concerns.
How can I make a donation to KNTR?
Proceeds raised by Kids Need to Read are used to purchase books for libraries in need and for nonprofit institutions that give books to children.
If you would like to help KNTR with a donation, they can be sent to:
Kids Need to Read
124 South 54th Street #65
Mesa, AZ 85206
Donations may also be made through PayPal:
(You do not need a PayPal account to donate)
For more information about making a donation, please contact Debbie Brown at: debbie@kidsneedtoread.org
Where can I purchase KNTR merchandise?
The Kids Need to Read CafePress store offers a variety of designs that promote Kids Need to Read and literacy, from shirts and tote bags to mousepads and mugs. Net proceeds from the store help Kids Need to Read buy more books. Visit the store at: http://www.cafepress.com/kidsneedtoread.
How can I help KNTR?
Kids Need to Read welcomes volunteers and has participants from all over the world. Please Contact Us to express your interest.