"Why I Give" by Mimi Manzler

We truly appreciate all our rockstar supporters, like volunteer Mimi Manzler! As an experienced book buddy, program leader, event volunteer, and donor, Mimi tells us, "Why I Give."

"When we came to Chicago, I wanted to get involved in something and literally stumbled across Sit Stay Read. Using Volunteer Match, I entered three interests: kids, literacy & animals and up popped Sit Stay Read. I could not believe it – what could be better – kids, books & dogs!?! This is MADE for me, and that is how it all began.

Even before that though, I have always been a reader, from when I first read aloud Green Eggs & Ham to being inspired as a kid by From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler & The Phantom Tollboth. And, I have always had a strong sense that reading (& writing) is power – if you can read & think critically, and you can express yourself eloquently, what more do you need? These are the keys to success in my book.

I enjoy being with the kids and dogs, but it’s truly moments like the other day when I stood with two book buddies & two dog teams outside of Marshall’s Place. Some students from Manierre School were walking by and one young boy asked, “Excuse me, are those Sit Stay Read dogs?” He then proceeded to tell us about his experience with Sit Stay Read and how much he enjoyed reading with the dogs.

Reading with the kids is just plain FUN—it’s something that anyone would love to support! "