Reading and Helping Others:
When the Covid-19 Pandemic began in 2020, I decided that I wanted to do something to help the people in my community who are experiencing food and/or shelter insecurity. With the help of my parents, I created Read with Rowan, an organization that allows me to combine my passion for reading with my goal to help others and make a positive difference in their lives. I receive cash sponsorships from my family and friends for reading and reviewing the books that I share with you on this website. If you’re familiar with a Read-A-Thon, that’s how my Read With Rowan sponsorships work. 100% of the sponsorship money that I earn by reading and reviewing books on my website is given to the Help and Hope Center Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The Help and Hope Center is an incredible local non-profit that provides food, housing assistance, utility assistance, emergency overnight lodging, clothing and household items, and job programs for our community members who are in need.
My annual fundraising goal is to provide the Help and Hope Center with a $1000.00 cash donation funded by my reading sponsorships. In addition to my cash donations, I donate all of the books featured on this website to the Help and Hope Center. Additionally, participants of my book club meetings are asked to make suggested donations (such as toiletries or canned food items) to the Help and Hope Center. I am proud and confident that these donations will make a great difference in the lives of others in my community.
May’s Focus on Helping:
At Rowan’s May 2023 Book Club, participants are encouraged to participate in the Read with Rowan Food Drive benefiting the Help & Hope Center. Participants are asked to bring 10 of their favorite canned or boxed food items to donate to the Help and Hope Center’s “Mela’s Pantry.”
The Help and Hope Center’s newly remodeled food bank, “Mela’s Pantry” is named in honor of the founder, Mela Rudolph. It is the cornerstone of their services. When people are facing financial difficulty, receiving a week’s worth of groceries makes a significant difference.
Clients “shop” for the groceries and supplies that they need and want. The Help and Hope Center provides three meals a day (plus snacks!) for each family member for at least a week. They also supply household supplies, toiletries, diapers, sanitary supplies for women and seniors and even pet food.
Additionally, every month the Help and Hope Center conducts three off-site food banks at low-income senior housing units in Castle Rock!
Rowan with a box of donations for The Help and Hope Center
Club members shopping for toiletry items to donate to the Help and Hope Center!
Book club members enjoying pizza after discussing the book selections