United Way Celebrates 100 Years by Reading 100 Books

Nonprofit partners with YMCA to promote literacy and a love of reading among local children

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In honor of its 100th anniversary, the United Way of Orange County hosted reading sessions over two weeks, pledging to read 100 books to local children in partnership with the YMCA through the Y-Reads program. Volunteers signed up for one-hour shifts, reading two to three short books to small groups of children to help foster literacy and a lifelong love of reading.

Why it matters

By reaching children throughout the community and sharing the joy of reading, the United Way of Orange County continues its mission to improve lives and inspire literacy and a lifelong love of learning.

The details

Through its network of partner agencies, United Way of Orange County reached children across all five local independent school districts. Volunteers brought stories to life, showing children that reading can be fun and engaging. The event was part of the nationwide Read Across America initiative, which encourages a love of reading in children.

  • The reading sessions took place from March 2–6 and March 9–12, 2026.
  • National Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.

The players

United Way of Orange County

A nonprofit organization that works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good through partnerships with local nonprofits and initiatives focused on education, financial stability, health, and community resiliency.

YMCA

A partner organization that collaborated with United Way of Orange County on the Y-Reads program, which provides reading sessions for local children.

Laci Gibbens

The Corporate Volunteer Manager of United Way of Orange County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our volunteers brought stories to life, and in doing so, they helped children discover just how exciting reading can be.”

— Laci Gibbens, Corporate Volunteer Manager, United Way of Orange County

What’s next

United Way of Orange County plans to continue its partnership with the YMCA and expand its literacy initiatives in the local community.

The takeaway

The United Way of Orange County's centennial celebration of reading 100 books to local children demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting literacy and a love of learning, which are essential for the development and success of the community.