Jacob Allen, a Kosciusko County third-grade student, picks out some books with the help of Operation Read’s Executive Director DeeAnna Muraski. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — What would it be like to be 70 years old and unable to read?

When a man in his 70s could not read, he was tutored by a volunteer with Operation Read. When it came time for his birthday, he received a birthday card.

“He had never learned how to read. But he was able to read the birthday card,” said DeeAnna Muraski, CEO and executive director of Operation Read, her eyes tearing up.

It’s one of the many success stories Operation Read has been able to accomplish.

Formerly called Kosciusko Literacy Services, Operation Read provides free books and tutoring for adults and children. KLS was formed 22 years ago.

This year, the organization rebranded, changed names, started new programs and hired a new director.

“The name literacy was creating a barrier for the demographic we try and serve,” said Muraski. “Children and adults who cannot read do not know what literacy means. So, we took this chance to freshen up our logo and new name. We came up with something fun for kids and easy to remember.”

The financial ramifications of illiteracy are staggering.

“Not being able to read drains our economy,” she said. “Illiteracy costs American taxpayers an estimated $20 billion each year. School dropouts cost our nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues.”

Illiteracy has become such a serious problem in the country that 44 million adults are now unable to read a simple story to their children.

Operation Read launched several new programs this year, too, to combat the problem:

• “Book Boogie.” The program offers prizes and incentives for children to read at North Webster Elementary School, with more than 160,000 pages read since September.

• Operation Read: Reads! is a program for children living in poverty.

• Operation Read’s cutest reader contest, a fundraiser encouraging kids to take photos of themselves reading their favorite books to win prizes.

The organization, located in a classroom at North Webster Elementary School, is filled with books for all ages.

“Operation Read covers the full life cycle by providing books to newborns at the hospitals and memory and puzzle books to senior citizens,” noted Muraski, who took over as director earlier this year. “Everything we do is free for the community.”

Operation Read also helps children and adults who are in poverty by providing books and tutoring to those in financial need in our community. Between 46% and 51% of American adults have an income well below the poverty level because of their inability to read.

“Seventy percent of low-income fourth graders cannot read at even a basic level,” she said. “So, we want to help those parents and their children.”

Operation Read is funded by grants and donations. Its mission is simple: To encourage the lifelong love of learning through reading.

“It is not just books and tutoring,” said Muraski. “We are providing critical life skills through our books and tutoring. We want also to bring the fun back to reading so it is fun and they look forward to reading a book.”

To donate or volunteer, visit operationreadusa.org or call Muraski at (574) 267-5380.

Operation Read was launched this year with a new name, new director and several new programs. Pictured are DeeAnna Muraski, CEO and executive director of Operation Read, left, and Jim Pattison, a board member. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.