Hello, My name is Denise Pedersen. I teach first grade in an remote and economically challenged area. My students have very few resources in their community. It is incredibly rewarding to watch my students blossom into readers. There is no better reward for a teacher than to see children develop a love of reading and watch their success as readers grow. First grade is a magical time for reading development. I would like to raise $300 to buy books to give each of my incoming students as gifts. I like to give them books for extended breaks (like winter break and summer vacation). I have set a goal of raising $300 by October 31 so that I will be able to purchase at least 2 books for each student to read over Winter break. Thank You, Mrs. Denise Pedersen