Read On Express

“Read On Express” has become a downtown Christmas tradition. On December 14, the historic depot decked the halls and people came from Globe, Miami, San Carlos, Payson and the Valley to enjoy the festivities and support early literacy.

“The main goal of the event is to get a book in the hand of every child,” says Charlene Becker, Program Manager with Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP).

Charlene organized this year’s Read On Express with AZYP Director of Community Initiatives, Julie Craig. The two brought together dozens of public, private and non-profit organizations to elevate early literacy as a community value and to create something special for kids.

They decorate the depot. They rent a train. They make hot cocoa and cookies, play music, make crafts and even stamp letters to Santa. Spirited adults dress up in costumes. Charlene’s daughter, Jessica Wider, an ELA Special Education teacher at High Desert Middle School continued her 5-year reign as Mrs. Claus. Julie Craig’s son was Santa. 

“Children take a photo with Santa, and pick out a book,” Charlene says.

With more than 1,000 books from which to choose, thanks to private donations and United Fund monies, Library Directors from Globe and Miami were on hand to help kids pick out a book to match their age and interests. 

“Everything is oriented to the children,” says Charlene, “it’s magical.

It’s also practical.

Early exposure to books stimulates brain development. 90% of brain growth occurs in the first 5 years of life. Making sure that children, ages 0-5 have what they need makes practical sense.

Read On Express is grant-funded through First Things First (FTF), Arizona’s only public funding source dedicated to early childhood. The FTF budget is supported by a tax on tobacco products.

There is no legislative appropriation. Funds are allotted to Arizona communities based on the number of children in the age range birth-5 years.

FTF reports that the Gila region has 2,688 children under age 6.35% of them live in poverty.

The most effective known intervention for reducing some consequences of poverty is to provide more stimulating and supportive environments for children, both at home and in early childcare and preschool settings.

FTF Gila region is focused on improving the availability of quality childcare and preschool programs. In 2024, 330 children attended Quality First preschools and childcare programs. Eighty-seven received scholarships.

Another FTF priority is practical education for parents. In addition to her hands-on role with Read On, Charlene runs classes on healthy pregnancies and childbirth and is a lifeline to teen and young families overwhelmed by the responsibility. Everything from how to install car seats to how to get sleep. She aims to help teen moms stay healthy and stay in school and to get help to mothers of any struggling with addiction. The services are available to all.

“Healthy outcomes, healthy families,” says Charlene, “benefit the whole community.”