Why are we starting with these pics?..

...'Cause we're feeling VERY good!

In case you were wondering what some of the young people in our community are doing...well, they are helping RIF NOVA -- whether it's a book distribution for a community event with boys (and moms!) from the Great Falls Young Men's Service League (YMSL), a Popsicles in the Park event with RIF NOVA Young Ambassadors, or high school seniors from Arlington's Yorktown High School conducting book drives. Some are even writing books and donating them to RIF NOVA to promote children's interest in astronomy! Read more and FEEL GOOD!!!

The Starry Neighborhood book series for grades 1-5 is now part of the RIF NOVA donated book collection! Created by Pritha Gohil and two high school friends, this fun series brings celestial bodies to life as characters exploring the universe. Along with their Astronomy Unplugged podcast, these young authors are making space education more accessible and exciting for kids!

Hunter Churchill (l) founded the Patriot Book Collective -- a Yorktown High School student club dedicated to promoting literacy initiatives in Arlington and surrounding communities. "We hold quarterly literacy events like this book drive to promote our mission," Hunter noted. He was joined by fellow club member James Davis dropping off more than 500 books for RIF NOVA!

The Bookmark Project is a student-led volunteer team expanding access to books across the DMV. Also from Yorktown High School, the team aims to "improve access to children's books by collecting book donations and hosting events where volunteers create bookmarks to make reading more special." Kelsey Rucker (l) and Scarlett Koch are shown dropping off more than 1,400 books at our storage unit!

Adrian Glickman (r) decided it was time to pare down his childhood book collection and joined forces with his grandfather Steve to donate them to RIF NOVA. The two were a little nostalgic about parting with the books as they shared many memories of reading them together. They did admit that a few favorites like the Wimpy Kids books were kept behind -- saved for what they hope will be the next generation of Glickman readers.

Our Donated Books are Going Places!

Back-to-School Backpack Packing

Such a great community turnout at a mid-August back-to-school event at the Minnie Peyton Community Center! Families lined up for free backpacks and to choose RIF NOVA books to take home. Sponsored by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, the event was a huge success thanks to the Great Falls YMSL...and our RIF NOVA mascot Clifford -- who always adds to the fun!

Literacy Night at Polk Elementary

With the theme "Reading Saves the Day," Alexandria's Polk Elementary held a literacy night, complete with literacy games and activities, reading corners, and books from RIF NOVA's donated books collection. The new school year is starting off right, with more books in the hands and homes of local children!

Note: Find out more about donating books by clicking here. We are currently seeking chapter books for all levels and graphic novels! They go like hotcakes!

Special Acknowledgements

RIF NOVA is one of five nonprofits selected by Cox Charities for a 2026 Community Investment Grant! General Dynamics Mission Systems also donated to RIF NOVA as part of its Community Investment Program. We are beyond grateful for this support FROM our community to benefit books for children IN our community!

RIF NOVA is proud to be a top-rated 501(c)(3)U.S. nonprofit -- EIN 51-0155758. Every book we are able to give is due to YOU! Thank you for being part of the RIF NOVA community!!!

Your funds help with all RIF NOVA programs! Donate electronically by clicking here or on the Donate image above.

Send a check:

Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. 

P.O. Box 7012

Arlington, VA 22207-0012

Books change lives!

RIF NOVA | www.rifnova.org | 703-528-3763 | info@rifnova.org

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