More About Fireflies
The Fireflies Program currently consists of 3 elements:
Summer Book Bag Program Studies have shown that much of the summer reading loss (the “summer slide”) is attributable to children from low-income families having restricted access to books compared to their more-advantaged peers. Through our book bag program, the students we serve each receive a book bag containing 5 of more NEW books selected by their teachers, plus games, puzzles, a journal, other materials to help students stay engaged with learning, and tips for parents to to join with their children to make summer learning fun for the whole family. Through our close partnership with the schools we serve, Fireflies provides all funding for the book bags and contents, but it is the teachers and staff who select the special books and materials that fill each student’s book bag.
Little School Libraries Thanks to donations of time and skills from UUFCO members and donations of materials from local businesses, in the summer and fall of 2020 we constructed little libraries that will be placed at 4 elementary school campuses, providing students with ready access to books in their neighborhoods. Fireflies will maintain the little libraries and supply all the books to keep them stocked.
SPARKY! The Book Trailer Thanks to generous donations from an anonymous Fireflies supporter, SELCO Credit Union, and The Oregon Community Foundation, Fireflies has the use of a large cargo trailer that has been outfitted to serve as a bookmobile. SPARKY! distributes books to kids at schools and parks in conjunction with the summer free lunch programs.
Opportunities to be Involved with Fireflies
The Fireflies Program is managed by the Fireflies team which meets 6-8 times per year. A major responsibility of the team is to raise the funds that cover more than half the cost of the program. The balance of the cost of the program is provided by Operating Funds from UUFCO. Thus, the Team needs members who are willing t assist with fundraising—some in the form of events (eg, Jars of Joy sale in December and Flash! in April) and some in the form of seeking grants and business support. Fireflies also offers opportunities for the occasional volunteer interaction with students at the book bag distribution in June and during Sparky’s visits during the summer. Contact us to get involved!
Testimonials
“Some of our students have participated in the summer book bag program each year. The excitement and feelings the students have when they receive their book bag is contagious! They feel special and this fosters a love of learning and positive outlook on school, especially with some of our more challenging students. We are always looking for ways to expand the program, bring more family access to books that need it and create a wider community circle. The Fireflies program does that…”
– Dan Wolnick, Principal and Heather Anderson, Reading Specialist, Juniper Elementary
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“[Fireflies] is an amazing program, supported by amazing volunteers and program sponsors. My greatest hope is that this program can continue with your financial support to foster the love of reading and learning during the summer months when school is not in session.”
– Nighean Madden, Title 1 Reading Specialist, Ensworth Elementary
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“[In 2019] Fireflies Summer Book Bag Program decided to spread their wings to Redmond schools and our school, M.A. Lynch Elementary won the reading lottery. Fireflies provided our most struggling students with hope, connection and a bag of books to support their learning throughout the summer. […] Learning to read is the most valuable skill for our students to obtain. Providing access to good books that they can read is imperative. We so appreciate the support, care and willingness of this organization to make a difference in the lives of our students.”
– Rayna Nordstrom, Principal and Kelly Hill, Reading Specialist, M.A. Lynch Elementary
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The Bend Bulletin—Monday, June 10, 2019: Book program fights summer slide with free books for kids. “In their reading class Monday morning, a group of fourth grade students at M.A. Lynch Elementary were told by their teacher they would all get free books for the summer. Smiles quickly spread across many of the kids’ faces, and their excitement grew…”
Supporting Our Work
Fireflies receives financial support from UUFCO’s Social Justice budget, annual fundraisers, local businesses and foundations, and gifts from generous supporters. We welcome your inquiries at fireflies@uufco.org.