Maximize Your Tax Credit with Southwest Human Development’s 2026 ‘Grow A Reader’ Virtual Book Drive
Southwest Human Development’s annual Grow A Reader Virtual Book Drive returns March 2 through March 31, giving Arizonans an opportunity to support early childhood literacy while maximizing their Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
Through this statewide initiative, donations help place books directly into the hands of children who may not otherwise have them at home, while also equipping parents with tools and guidance to build language, communication, and early learning skills from the very beginning.
Addressing Arizona’s Early Literacy Gap
In neighborhoods across the Valley, two out of three children lack access to books in their homes. Limited exposure to books in early childhood can significantly impact vocabulary development, school readiness, and long-term academic achievement.
Nearly half of Arizona kindergarteners enter school without foundational literacy skills. Research consistently shows that early literacy development, particularly in the first five years of life, plays a critical role in future academic success.
Southwest Human Development is working to change that by ensuring families in its programs receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate books, along with parent engagement tools that strengthen bonding, build confidence, and support early language growth.
“Literacy begins long before a child enters a classroom,” says Jake Adams, Chief Development Officer at Southwest Human Development. “Grow A Reader is about more than books. It’s about empowering families with the resources and confidence to support learning at home.”
HOW IT WORKS:
Arizona taxpayers can make a dollar-for-dollar donation through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, up to $495 for individuals and $987 for couples filing jointly, at no additional cost beyond what they already owe in state taxes. To participate in the Virtual Book Drive, donate at: www.swhd.org/GAR
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