The Walnut Street YMCA is excited to announce the launch of the Pages For Pizza Literacy Challenge, a new initiative designed to ignite a love of reading! This unique program, made possible through a partnership with Seasons Pizza, rewards young readers with delicious incentives for achieving their literacy goals.
The Pages For Pizza Literacy Challenge invites children and teens at the Walnut Street YMCA to read 15 books each month, setting an achievable and impactful target. Participants who meet the monthly goal will receive a coupon for a free personal cheese pizza from participating Seasons Pizza locations.
Participating Seasons Pizza locations include:
- Newport
- Concord Pike
- Philadelphia Pike
- Elsmere
Rewards will be distributed at the end of February, March, and April, with coupons valid through June 30, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Paperie Books
Why Reading Matters
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, students who do not achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Reading enhances critical thinking, improves vocabulary, and fosters emotional intelligence, all of which are essential for lifelong success.
“At the YMCA, we are deeply committed to nurturing the potential of every child in our community,” said Anesha Law, Community Executive of the Walnut Street YMCA. “The Pages For Pizza Literacy Challenge exemplifies our mission, and we are grateful to Seasons Pizza for joining us in this effort. Together, we can inspire young learners to develop a lifelong love of reading while empowering them to achieve their full potential. Seasons Pizza’s support not only makes a difference in the lives of students but also reflects its dedication to being a community-focused business.”
“Seasons Pizza is very excited to partner with the YMCA for this literacy initiative,” said Tina Arbulu, Vice President of Operations at Seasons Pizza. “We love our community and are very grateful for their support over the years. We are thankful to be a part of such an important program that encourages young community members to embrace the joy and value of books.”
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The Walnut Street YMCA, located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, serves as a vital Youth Resource Center dedicated to fostering personal and social growth for children and teens. Through a wide range of impactful programs, the Walnut Street Y provides a safe, supportive environment while delivering essential resources to some of Wilmington’s most vulnerable families. In 2023 alone, 60% of Y children in the Wilmington community benefited from nearly $1.5 million in YMCA and state-funded financial assistance, ensuring access to nurturing childcare programs at the Downtown YMCAs.
The YMCA and Seasons Pizza encourage families, schools, and community members to take part in this initiative by supporting and promoting the Pages For Pizza Literacy Challenge. Together, we can create a brighter future for the youth of Wilmington and beyond.