Kids Need to Read, a Mesa nonprofit, donated more than $1 million worth of books to 85,000 children across the U.S. in 2020.

This milestone is a major move for Kids Need to Read on its mission to promote literacy in underprivileged youth, according to a release.

“This has been such an amazing time for Kids Need to Read. We have been so fortunate — even during this pandemic — to have helped so many youth with additional literature options. Thanks to all who have supported Kids Need to Read and those who have donated their time, talents and financial contribution to make this all possible. We are achieving our goals to help children through books and reading.” Tyson Breinholt, chairman of the board at Kids Need to Read, said in the release.

The reading resources were given at 45 states and the District of Columbia. The charity’s “From Our Shelves to Yours” program serves grant applications for books ranging from the maintenance of Little Free Libraries in Utah to bringing books to classrooms in Alaska. Libraries have built teen summer reading programs in New Hampshire and medical centers in Montana have given out books during check-ups with the help of Kids Need to Read book grants.

Not only are these gifts free, but the organization never charges shipping for the literary gifts it provides across the country, the release states.

Additionally, Kids Need to Read’s “Page Coach” program served 72 organizations in Arizona, California and Nevada.

“Each trip in our specialized mobile unit brings scores of literary treasures to the vulnerable children and families we serve,” the release states.

“Kids Need to Read is honored to be a part of the solution to illiteracy in our country,” Executive Director Jessica Payne said in the release. “There is no better feeling than knowing we are helping to bring the joy of reading and the power of a literate mind to the children we serve.”

To learn more about Kids Need to Read’s plans for this coming year, go to kidsneedtoread.org.