Wrapping Up the Season with Words Alive: Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts 2024

by Genielysse reyes, Words alive volunteer coordinator

Volunteers connecting with one another as they assemble learning kits

On December 11th, I had the pleasure of coordinating Words Alive’s annual “Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts” service party. Pitched as a “Where the Wild Books Are” service event with a festive overlay, “Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts 2024” ultimately transformed into a bright and bookish celebration.

The service party began at 10:30am, and 45 volunteers gathered around our office front for a lovely welcoming speech by our executive director, Rachael, and our awesome staff. Afterward, the party officially started with the opening of six different service stations.

Volunteers writing letters at our Words of Inspiration station

Three stations allowed volunteers to assemble learning kits for three heartwarming titles: The I Love You Book by Todd Parr, Wepa by J de la Vega, and A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka. These kits will be directly distributed to children and families all over San Diego County.

Two other stations let volunteers exercise their creative voices. Our Words of Inspiration station gave volunteers the supplies needed to write encouraging letters to young readers, as well as thank you letters to fellow volunteers. A special holiday-inspired station asked volunteers share the names of their favorite books on paper ornaments, which were then hung on the Words Alive rainbow tree.

The Words Alive rainbow tree adorned with “Favorite Book” ornaments

A new station we added was dedicated to our Page Turners Program. A quieter space on the couches of our mezzanine, volunteers read titles from our book catalogue and reviewed them in real time, helping us determine which titles will be featured in future programming.

And of course, we had a station dedicated to the titular cookies and cocoa. The delicious cookies were donated by Jimbo’s and Blackmarket Bakery, while the cocoa was donated by my mom, Coco (what a fun coincidence, right?). She even included fun peppermint and marshmallow stirrers.

Cookies generously donated by Jimbo’s

For two hours, the office came alive with laughter, teamwork, music, and community. We book ended the party with a picture-perfect group photo plus a speed-reading competition between 3 stellar staff and board members. Our space erupted in applause, thus concluding an event that is now considered a Words Alive holiday tradition.

More cookies generously donated by Blackmarket Bakery

A huge thank you to Jimbo’s, Blackmarket Bakery, and Coco Reyes for adding so much sweetness to this event.

And thank you to all our volunteers who put in so much work and love into these reading resources, letters, ornaments, and book reviews. Because of you, Words Alive continues to thrive, and the joy of reading continues to grow, throughout this holiday season and beyond.

If you’d like to join our amazing community of readers and volunteers this upcoming new year, you can now sign up for our next Wild Book service events here. If you also would like to learn more about how to be more involved with Words Alive through our in-person or virtual volunteer roles, click here or email us at [email protected]. We are so excited to turn the page and begin the 2025 chapter with you!

The amazing volunteers and staff who made “Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts” a fun and festive success

Words Alive's 20th Annual Author Event and Fundraiser Draws 250 Attendees

On October 30, 2024, Words Alive welcomed best-selling author Paula Hawkins to our signature Author Event & Fundraiser. Hosted at San Diego’s Julep event venue, the fundraiser ultimately brought in several thousand dollars to support Words Alive’s mission of connecting children, teens, and families with the power of reading. 250 people attended the evening’s festivities, including many of the original Words Alive volunteers and donors.

Words Alive Founder Leslye Lyons with Congressman Scott Peters

In celebration of Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, Congressman Scott Peters presented an official proclamation recognizing a quarter-century of life-changing literacy work. Accepting the proclamation on Words Alive’s behalf was founder Leslye Lyons, who expressed deep gratitude for the honor as well as the community who has powered the organization over the past 25 years.

KPBS Arts Reporter Julia Dixon Evans facilitated the evening’s conversation with Paula Hawkins, author of the best-selling book The Girl on the Train. Paula discussed her novel The Blue Hour, released just the day before the event and already named November’s Good Morning America Book Club pick. Paula discussed the complex characters she finds so interesting to explore in her novels, as well as the use of a story’s setting as its own character. She touched on her in-depth research process for her books, delving into everything from the creation of fine art to the rugged Scottish landscape.

Words Alive’s 2024 Author Event & Fundraiser truly demonstrated the power of a good book to bring people together. Thank you to all those who joined the festivities and contributed to Words Alive’s life-changing literacy work. 100% of the event’s proceeds go directly to inspiring a love of reading in the 5,000 youth and families Words Alive reaches each year.

To Be a Words Alive Volunteer: A Reflection from a New Volunteer Coordinator

By Genielysse Reyes, Words Alive Volunteer Coordinator

I became a frequent volunteer over ten years ago, during my undergraduate career. There were many spaces in which I volunteered, spaces that held their own values, vibes, and importance. Downtown festivals drew communities closer and celebrated bouts of history and culture. Street cleanups expanded perspectives and empathy. Rallies ignited calls to action.

Since joining the Words Alive team two months ago, I have conversed with many of our stellar volunteers, who have all made a lasting mark on the organization. Through these conversations, I learned more about the volunteer space Words Alive had created. Some volunteers noted that they came to Words Alive because it reminded them of their teacher days. Others shared that it was because they had a love for reading and writing. And some said that they were simply looking for ways to help.

As these volunteers continued their journey with Words Alive, dedicating hours to read to kids, facilitate student book groups, assemble program materials at our office, and deliver books and activities to San Diego families, they all took something away, too. Volunteers stated that through Words Alive, they found new, diverse books to read. They made so many human connections. They felt more self-confident. They felt a sense of belonging.

I learned that the Words Alive volunteer space was one that combined the kinds of spaces I knew before: united by the call to action to advocate the power of reading, and grounded by a strong sense of community and open-mindedness.

To be a Words Alive volunteer is, in a way, to be a reader: a person who visits a world and listens to it, expanding perspective and agency, and feeling changed by the end. I thank the Words Alive volunteers for finding our space and changing it for the better, too.

Staying on theme, I’d like to invite you to my own call to action. We have an abundance of volunteer roles available, including our Read Aloud Program and our graphic novel curriculum team. If you would like to join the Words Alive volunteer community and make a direct difference in the reading journeys of young people all throughout San Diego, click here or email us at [email protected]. Once you visit the world of Words Alive, I have an inkling you’d love to stay.  

25 Years of Words Alive: A Conversation with Kay Gurtin

BY VIKKI BOWES-MOK, WORDS ALIVE VOLUNTEER

To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century. 

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Kay (second from left) at a Words Alive “Spark a Love of Reading” event 

Kay Gurtin has touched all aspects of Words Alive, from volunteering to serving on the board. She was site chair at Lindsay School (a school for pregnant and parenting teens), launched the Choice and Youth Development Center programs for the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) and served on the Board of Directors from 2011 - 2019, including serving on the search committee for Words Alive’s incredible Executive Director, Rachael Orose!

Now, a few words from Kay!

What drew you to Words Alive?

I am a voracious reader and have been in book clubs for years. Plus, I had been trained in the University of Chicago Great Books program. The opportunity to promote literacy and volunteer with students was a win-win. What I didn't realize when I signed up was the special friendships I would make as I had just moved to San Diego when I joined Words Alive. Fortunately, I have maintained those interesting and diverse relationships for 20 years!

Looking back at your work with Words Alive, what makes you proud today?

Kay with teacher Ben White

I am most proud of working for more than a decade with ABG teacher Ben White, who was a teacher for 20 years in the Juvenile Court and Community Schools. I appreciated the respect and connections we developed with the students who were described as “last chance.” In Ben’s school, I encouraged and mentored a young man who had been involved in a gang, been shot, and incarcerated. I was excited to see him earn a Words Alive Westreich Scholarship and become the first in his family to attend community college. I also loved introducing Salman Rushdie at a Words Alive Author’s Luncheon. 

Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive?

What an incredible pivot Words Alive made during the COVID-19 crisis, including attracting new volunteers and students across the world to engage with students of all ages on social media platforms. It was especially impressive since many nonprofits shut down during this period.

How do you envision the next chapter of Words Alive’s story?

I think Words Alive will continue to spread its wings in the literacy sector in San Diego and beyond and potentially monetize their curriculum and programs.

What are you reading right now?
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

25 Years of Words Alive: A Conversation with Bijan Nowroozian

BY VIKKI BOWES-MOK, WORDS ALIVE VOLUNTEER

To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century. 

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Bijan Nowroozian has been part of many different chapters at Words Alive. From volunteering with the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) program and Words Alive Westreich Scholarship (WAWS) program to serving on the Board of Directors and taking on additional projects at Words Alive whenever needed. He was the recipient of the Words Alive 2023 Westreich Scholarship Service and Mentorship Award. After working in libraries for 18 years, mostly at the San Diego Public Library, he was the senior librarian of the Parkland Spanaway Pierce County Library in Tacoma, Washington. In summer 2024, he moved to Colorado Springs, CO where he now cares for his newborn son Cyrus, with his partner, Sarah.

Now, a few words from Bijan!

What drew you to Words Alive?

I wanted to use the skills I learned while pursuing my English degree to give back to the community. When I learned about Words Alive and its mission statement, I knew this was the organization for me.

What speaks to you about Words Alive’s mission?

I love that Words Alive is committed to not only promoting literacy but also truly creating a love for reading among youth—especially in underserved communities. I grew up in an underserved community and know just how hard it can be to get things like new books. The goals that Words Alive is committed to fill me with such pride that I’m happy to be a part of them.

What part(s) of your work with Words Alive are you most proud of today?

That’s tough but if I had to narrow it down, I’m really proud of the work I did in the Adolescent Book Group program, as I made some amazing connections with students whose life stories, opinions, and creativity changed me for the better. The work done with the Westreich Scholarship program led to numerous students receiving vital financial support and mentorship. I’m so proud to have seen so many of those students graduate with their college degrees while being part of that program. For all scholars of the WAWS program, I’m thankful to have been part of your amazing journeys.

How do you envision the next chapter of Words Alive’s story?

I’m really excited to see all of the amazing things that are planned for 2025 with Words Alive! There’s so many brilliant and hard-working people working at Words Alive who have some truly creative and fun ideas. Once they get the ball rolling on what’s next, I’ll do all I can to support them. ;)

As for the meta vision, I see Words Alive becoming more and more influential in helping underserved families in the San Diego area. The more we become part of the community, the more we’re known and sought after for resources, which we’ll be happy to provide.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive’s history or current work?

I wish people understood that Words Alive is mostly driven through volunteer work and that the Words Alive volunteers are so passionate and committed to the mission. Whether it’s during a virtual program, planning meeting, or in-person prep session, everyone brings amazing vibes and pure joy to what they’re doing. Whenever I do any team-based volunteer work with Words Alive, I smile from ear to ear.

What is a book that made a significant impact on your life?

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This book made me think of books and stories in a more analytical way from a young age.

What are you reading right now? I’m making my way through the Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor. I’m reading book 4: Heaven’s River. If you enjoy lighthearted comedic sci-fi, give the series a try. :)

25 Years of Words Alive: A Conversation with Vichittra Chaleune

by vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century. 

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Vichittra “Vee” Chalenue is Words Alive’s longest-serving staff member! She started in 2015 and is now Associate Program Director and Read Aloud Program Manager. Her Words Alive experience actually began years before joining the team, as Vee was part of Words Alive’s Read Aloud Program when she was in elementary school; talk about full circle! When she started first grade, she would get nervous about reading - until her reading role model, Ms. Stephanie, arrived as a Words Alive volunteer and showed her how fun reading could be.

Now, a few words from Vee!

Did your experience as a child influence your decision to join the Words Alive team as an adult?

Yes! I didn’t know it at the time but when I first started as a part-time Program Coordinator, part of my assignment was to read aloud to classes. As I prepared for my first session, I grabbed a picture book that I kept with me all these years and upon opening the cover, I noticed the sticker from my reading role model and that’s how I realized that Words Alive was in my first grade class. The book is about giving back to my community and making a positive impact in my world. That’s definitely helped shape my career path.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive’s history or current work?

I think similar to my personal experience I’d want people to know that when they get involved with Words Alive, whether it’s donating time (as a reader or packing kits or working directly with our kids and families), donating talent (writing our curriculum, being active on committees, elevating our processes), or donating treasure, that they’re making a huge impact that is life changing.

How do you envision the next chapter of Words Alive’s story?

I’d love to see Words Alive reach every school and community throughout San Diego and beyond. It would be incredible if Words Alive could expand out of San Diego in the next decade.

What are you reading right now?

My wife and I have been on a banned book reading challenge with our 21 month old babies, so we’ve been reading everything from Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall to This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman to Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall.

25 Years of Words Alive: A Conversation with Meredith Baratz

by vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century. 

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Meredith Baratz is the current chair of Words Alive’s Board of Directors. She also volunteers with Page Turners to read and review books being considered for Words Alive’s programs, as well as on the Curriculum Crew to create literacy materials for volunteers and families. She often volunteers in the office to prepare learning kits and help with other tasks.

Now, a few words from Meredith!

What drew you to Words Alive?

The mission of the organization — connecting children, teens and families to the power of reading — spoke to me. I have loved diving into a good book since I was a child and continue to be excited about helping create that connection for others.

What part(s) of your work with Words Alive are you most proud of today?

Thanks to the leadership of people who have served on Words Alive’s Board, on its leadership team and on staff, the organization is poised today to expand its impact in some exciting ways. I’m delighted to be helping today’s leadership team frame a strategic plan that will help us advance and accelerate opportunities for the community we serve. It would be impossible to not be proud of the creative, energetic and passionate staff that guides the work of this organization every day.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive’s history or current work?

Yes! This year, Words Alive celebrates its 25th anniversary — after starting around the dining room table of Founder Leslye Lyons — serving approximately 5,000 children and families in San Diego every year, delivering a measurable impact on children’s reading attitudes and behavior. Thanks to the generosity of former Board Chair Karen Silberman and her husband, Jeff, the organization has a physical presence in San Diego’s East Village, and we are working hard to create a gathering place for people who care about literacy.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Words Alive absolutely could not do what it does without the power of the dedicated volunteers — roughly 1,000 in total — who drive our operations, and the 80 or so partner organizations who deliver programming. Volunteers help us do everything from select books for our curriculum, develop curriculum guides, create and deliver books and learning kits to classrooms, manage inventory, read aloud in classrooms, guide book group discussions with teens, and so much more.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins. It’s a really good read, particularly for Californians.

25 Years of Words Alive: A Conversation with Laurie Doyle

by vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

To celebrate Words Alive’s 25th anniversary, we are speaking with a few of the remarkable people who have helped write our story over the last quarter century. 

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Laurie Doyle is a Words Alive super volunteer! She has mentored teens through the former Words Alive Westreich Scholarship, volunteered with the Adolescent Book Group at Lindsay School (a school for pregnant and parenting teens) and she served on the Words Alive Board of Directors from 2002 - 2009, including as the first Board Chair after founder Leslye Lyons. She was instrumental in launching our annual Author Event (now in its 20th year!) and building the infrastructure for its continued success. Words Alive is so grateful for her years of dedicated leadership and service.

Now, a few words from Laurie!

What drew you to Words Alive?

When Leslye Lyons told me about her idea for Words Alive, I was sold from the beginning. I loved the idea of helping at-risk teens and young children in low-income families learn the joy of reading and being read to. I also loved that Words Alive donated books for young children and teens to keep in their homes.

Could you please tell me a bit about your volunteer experience with the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) at Lindsay School?

ABG was my first experience volunteering with Words Alive. I actually helped Leslye and Cindy Polger find Lindsay School and we just knew it was the perfect place for us from the first minute we saw it and met Dawn, the teacher. 

Laurie at the 2011 Authors Luncheon

What part(s) of your work with Words Alive are you most proud of today?

Hard to say … I think the most meaningful experience would be ABG and mentoring but being on the Board was a definitely wonderful and challenging experience.

Is there anything you wish more people knew about Words Alive’s history or current work?

Getting the incredible office space is amazing and shows that Words Alive is here to stay because of all of its amazing work.

What book made a significant impact on your life?

Hmmm, I’m not sure about impact but one that stayed with me forever would be The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. It’s my all time favorite book.

Meet Genielysse!

Hello! My name is Genielysse Reyes, and I am thrilled to join the Words Alive team as the new Volunteer Coordinator.

I enter this role with years of experience in working with different organizations that advocate tutoring, mentorship, transformative philanthropy, and creative storytelling. My interest in these fields sparked during my undergrad career at UC Riverside. I decided to study psychology and creative writing, and as I studied, I volunteered…a lot. Street cleanups, shelter homes, campus events, afterschool programs, theater concession stands, you name it. I fell in love with volunteering, because it opened so many opportunities for me to connect with my community and create fun memories with my peers.

This emphasis on community and connection followed me as I earned an MFA in writing for children from Simmons University in Boston. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a writer, for books were some of my childhood best friends. They made my imagination a safe space, and they offered my young self endless ways to grow as a human. Perhaps that’s why it felt natural for me to write stories for young people; these are formative years that call for comfort, validation, and wonder. And through writing, I felt yet again that I was connecting with so many people who shared my narrative or wanted to learn outside of their own. The writing community became one of my favorite spaces.

When I found out about Words Alive, my heart soared. It was an organization that combined my loves: volunteering, community, and books. Here, I can support the amazing community of volunteers that bring the joy of reading into classrooms and homes. I understand the difference they’re all making, and I hope to witness more and more of their spark. I am so excited to start and be part of Words Alive’s story.   

“One book I’m currently reading is “The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera. I love that this book emphasizes how storytelling, especially stories rooted in our cultures, is necessary for a sound and beautiful world. It really hits home for me and my work. ”

— Genielysse Reyes

The World We Want: Empathy, Awe, and Human Connection

“When we come to it
We must confess that we are the possible
We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world
That is when, and only when
We come to it.”

— Maya Angelou

Each year, Words Alive selects a theme that guides our programming and influences the anchor texts explored in the classroom. We are excited to announce the 2024-25 program theme, The World We Want: Empathy, Awe, and Human Connection.

There is something quietly radical about recognizing our connection to each other and the world around us. It starts small — with a book, a conversation — and it grows into something transformative, even revolutionary.

This year, we’re inviting young readers to embark on a journey that transcends the page, weaving through conversation, writing, and play. Together, we’ll explore the power of awe — because awe isn’t merely an emotion. It is a force that enhances well-being, deepens empathy, and draws us closer to one another.

This journey will reach 5,000 kids, teens, and families across our programs. They’ll dive into volunteer-led sessions filled with discussions, creative writing, books they can keep, and art as dynamic as they are. Our carefully chosen anchor texts are designed to ignite that spark of wonder - in the world, in relationships, and within themselves - creating a ripple effect of connection and curiosity.

In our Family Literacy and Read Aloud programs, which serve preschoolers through third graders, we’ll be sharing books like:

• I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey

• I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown

• The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson

Meanwhile, in our Adolescent Book Group program, students will engage with stories that reflect the beautiful, messy reality of intersectional identities, diverse family structures, and the social issues that shape our lives. Titles include:

• Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Damian Duffy

• Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

• ·Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

To help these stories resonate even more, we’re equipping readers with learning kits - thoughtfully crafted hands-on activities to bring narratives to life and help young readers connect the text with their own lives and the world outside.

As readers turn the pages of these fresh, relevant texts, they will practice empathy, experience awe, and strengthen their human connections. They will expand their vocabularies, sharpen their critical thinking, and — most importantly — begin to see the world in new and unexpected ways.

Wonder isn’t just a feeling; it’s the beginning of a journey. It’s the first step in creating the world we want, and it all starts with one awe-inspiring story at a time.

If you would like to take part in Words Alive’s journey toward empathy, awe, and human connection, you can volunteer with us by clicking here or emailing [email protected]. Words Alive has fostered a vast, vibrant community of over one thousand volunteers, who work with young people, families, and educators to kindle a life-long love of reading. Our volunteers are the epitome of this year’s theme. They nurture the growth of imagination and the future of our world. Together, through action and stories, we can all pass along the awe and wonder from one reader to the next.