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Across the country, PTO fundraisers for literacy are helping schools create meaningful connections between students and reading. These efforts aren’t just about raising money – they help make reading a visible, supported part of everyday school life.
Many of these fundraisers become shared experiences that bring families, teachers, and students together. That sense of connection builds momentum around a common goal: helping kids develop a lasting relationship with reading.
The following stories highlight real PTOs that have turned their fundraising campaigns into something bigger. Their efforts show how a single, well-supported idea can transform how students engage with literacy.
How PTOs Fund Literacy That Lasts
Parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) play a crucial role in supporting schools and students. Through fundraising efforts, PTOs and PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations) can help bring beneficial learning programs to their schools. They can organize events like book fairs, Read-A-Thons, auctions, or raffles. By being creative and involving everyone in the school, PTOs and PTAs can gather support and raise the money needed for the machine.
An Ed.Gov blog post summed up the importance of a PTO perfectly,
“Parents across the country, with different lived experiences, are united by our belief that we can be the catalysts to create transformative change that benefits all children in our public education system. That change can only happen when we commit to truly embracing the power of parent participation, collaboration, and shared responsibility in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. We are more than just participants in parent-teacher conferences and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. We are on the frontline, fighting for and actively changing policies that will positively impact not only our children today, but also future generations of students.”
In short, PTOs and PTAs play an important role in making sure schools have what they need for students to learn well. Teamed up; school, teachers parents, can make a big difference. Together they have the power encourage kids to fall in love with reading.
PTOs in Action: Literacy Wins Across the U.S.
The following examples show how different schools used creativity, collaboration, and community support to make reading more accessible and exciting for their students.
Here’s a look at three real PTO fundraisers for literacy:
- Wheatland Center School, Wisconsin
- Geist Elementary, Indiana
- Dunwoody Elementary School, Georgia
Wheatland Center School, Wisconsin:
Wheatland Center School, in Wisconsin, was excited to elevate their students’ reading culture. The school’s PTO generously funded the purchase of Inchy’s Book Vending Machine. The excitement this vibrant machine generates has turned the act of choosing a book into a thrilling adventure for Wheatland students. The PTO’s dedication to promoting literacy has left an incredible mark on the school. But how did they do it?
Wheatland's PTO organized a book vending machine fundraiser called the “Penny War,” which saw enthusiastic participation from students. With the goal of acquiring a book vending machine for the school, the event engaged students by leveraging the popular video game character Mario as its theme.
Throughout the weeklong competition, students contributed pennies and paper money to their respective grade-level buckets, earning points for their class. Additionally, the strategic use of silver coins allowed students to challenge competing grades. Daily updates kept students informed on who was ahead, prompting strategic adjustments in coin allocation. As a reward for its efforts, the winning grade enjoyed a popsicle party on the playground.
This successful fundraiser not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among students, but also raised funds for a valuable addition to the school's resources.
Geist Elementary, Indiana:
Geist Elementary in Indiana witnessed the power of community support with the unveiling of a PTO-funded book dispenser. The machine now stands in a central place – the school library. This high-traffic location invites students to explore a diverse range of books. Selections cater to various interests and reading levels.
According to Geist’s PTO website, fundraising really is a community effort. Here’s what they had to say,
“When your student attends Geist Elementary, you are automatically a member of our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). As a result of its fundraising efforts and volunteerism, the GES PTO is able to provide and/or support an impressive array of programs...This campaign, as well as our Fall Festival/Silent Auction, Sponsorships, Flower Sales, Monthly Dine to Donate/Community Partnership Events, School Supply Kit Fundraiser, Movie Nights, and Enrollment in Gator Rewards Programs all provide the money we need to help enrich the school and the experience of all students. By being a member of our PTO, you help support Geist Elementary and the events and activities we host, services we provide, and programs we sponsor.”
Overall, PTOs and PTAs are vital partners to ensure schools have the resources to provide the best education for their students. Working with school administrators, teachers, and parents, these organizations provide a lasting legacy of literacy and love for reading among children.
Dunwoody Elementary School, Georgia:
In Georgia, Dunwoody Elementary School’s PTO took the lead in embracing a rewards-based reading program. The school recognized the importance of instilling a passion for reading. The PTO’s commitment to this cause was unwavering, purchasing a book vending machine with money raised through its inaugural Tiger Trot Fun Run. As a bonus, the run was live-streamed to all students!
Students at Dunwoody Elementary now eagerly line up to use the machine. The investment in a book rewards system has created a lasting impact on the school’s educational environment.
The Lasting Impact of Literacy-Focused PTO Fundraisers
The PTOs of Wheatland, Geist, and Dunwoody show just how meaningful PTO fundraisers for literacy can be. These efforts brought new books into schools and, more importantly, helped students build lasting, personal connections with reading.
These stories reflect what’s possible when families, educators, and communities come together around a shared goal. Their work is a reminder that when reading is supported at every level, especially by those closest to the school community, its impact can last a lifetime.
Inspired to Launch a Literacy Fundraiser?
If your school is looking for a simple, effective way to raise money and promote reading, a Read-A-Thon could be the next step.
This article was originally published in March of 2024 and was recently updated to reflect current industry standards.
