The Rotary Club of Rock Island and Rotary District 6420 are partnering with Nika Loves Charities to promote youth literacy in Rock Island County.
The 2025 series began on Sept. 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Moline, with subsequent events at Youth Hope, Longfellow Elementary, and the MLK Center. Upcoming events are scheduled for October 24 at Earl Hanson Elementary and October 28 at EveryChild.
The events have provided more than 340 elementary students with free books, activity sets, stickers, and stuffed animals. Events feature a dramatic read-along, themed activities, and sometimes a 20-foot inflatable unicorn.
“Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Rock Island will help promote literacy and emotional wellness among underserved children in our community.” said Geno DelPreore, Rock Island Rotarian and founder of Nika Loves Charities, proposed the project. “By combining books and stuffed animals, we’re fostering both learning and comfort.”
Rock Island Rotarians actively volunteer, distributing materials and engaging with children, providing members a chance for hands-on, meaningful impact.”
Additional partnerships through November include Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities, Bethany for Children & Families, Project NOW Head Start, Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center, Youth Service Bureau of Rock Island County, and the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education – Early Childhood Program.
