+ How Else Can I Help?

I’m a high school or middle school student – what can I do to help?

You can be a summer program reader, an office volunteer (usually book stickering and organization in June and December), or help us recruit regular volunteers at outreach events.

I can’t commit to weekly reading, can I still be a volunteer reader?

Yes! We always need Substitute Readers, to fill in for Readers who cannot make their regularly assigned reading sessions. Please indicate at which schools and times you are generally available to be a Substitute. You still need to go through the approval process and go to the Conference of Orientation.

Can I donate by check?

Yes! Make checks payable to “Read-Aloud Volunteer Program” and mail to 13857 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo CA 94806.

Can I donate: books?

Yes! Read-Aloud accepts book donations. We prefer children’s books that are in good condition, but have partnerships with other nonprofits that may have uses for older books. Donated books may be used for core book collections, as gift books or outreach books. Please email Read-Aloud at info@read-aloud.org or call at (510) 237-0735 to discuss appropriateness and arrange a drop-off or collection. We also have an Amazon Wishlist.

Can I donate: goods?

Yes, please email Read-Aloud at info@read-aloud.org or call at (510) 237-0735 to discuss appropriateness and arrange a drop-off or collection. We love personal protective equipment (face mask, face shields, and disposable gloves), disinfectant (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes or spray and paper towels), office supplies and gifts we can give all the students (lots of ~250). Encouragement gifts such as stickers are also appreciated.

Can I donate: used ink?

Yes, Read-Aloud turns in used printer cartridges and toner for Staples credit. Please email Read-Aloud at info@read-aloud.org or all (510) 237-0735 to arrange a drop-off or collection.

Will I get a donation receipt?

If you donate by cash, check or goods, you will receive a donation receipt from Read-Aloud. If you donate online through Network For Good, Benevity or YourCause, donation receipts will be issued by the company you donate through, not by Read-Aloud (though we will send a thank you letter!).

Does Read-Aloud have an AmazonSmile listing?

Yes, see Read-Aloud’s AmazonSmile page.

Does Read-Aloud have an Amazon Charity listing?

Yes, see Read-Aloud’s Amazon Charity Listing.

Does Read-Aloud accept employee giving plans?

Yes! We have accepted employer matches from Chevron through YourCause, Google and AirBnB through Benevity and Macy’s Gift Matching through their own program.

Is Read-Aloud on Benevity?

Yes, Read-Aloud is on Benevity, search for our EIN: 91-1839165

Is Read-Aloud on YourCause?

Yes, Read-Aloud is on YourCause, search for our EIN: 91-1839165

How can I donate a portion of my RMD (required minimum distribution from a retirement account)?

2018 Tax law and Charitable Deductions (RMD's are not required for the 2020 tax year)

Starting in the 2018 tax year filing, standard deductions will doubled. This means that many taxpayers who used to itemize deductions no longer find it beneficial to do so. They found that the deductions they used to take, including for charitable giving, do not add up to as much as the new standard deduction amount ($12,000 for single and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly) Individuals age 70 ½, who are doing required minimum distributions (RMD) from their IRAs, may wish to consider making a direct transfer of charitable contribution (pledge) to the Read-Aloud program from their RMD and lower their taxable adjusted gross income. How this works: To qualify for the tax break, funds must be transferred directly from the IRA to an eligible charity by the IRA trustee. Those who meet the age requirement can transfer up to $100,000 per year directly to an eligible charity without paying income tax on the transaction. If you file a joint tax return, your spouse can also make a charitable contribution of up to $100,000, meaning couples can exclude up to $200,000 of their retirement savings from income tax if they donate it to charity. If you withdraw the money from your IRA and later donate it, it won't qualify as a tax-free qualified charitable distribution. Interested individuals should check with their tax preparer and/or legal counsel.

Other planned giving options to consider that may provide tax benefits and supporting the Read-Aloud program:

• Outright gifts of stock or securities
• Gifts under a Will
• Gifts of life insurance, trusts and retirement plans

Please consult your financial adviser or counsel.