Stick to Reading
Stick to Reading is an incentive-bas
ed reading competition for elementary and middle school students. Piloted in 2009 in California and Ohio, Stick to Reading is a quick, easy, fun and effective way to get pro hockey players involved with kids in their communities.
The program involves HP4K members organizing a visit to a local school to read to students in the classroom and promote the importance of reading education. This visit kick-starts a four to six week-long reading competition, at the end of which, there is some sort of prize given for the most books read, the most hours spent reading, etc. In one of our pilot programs, the winners of the Stick to Reading competition had the opportunity to play in a floor hockey game against HP4K members in front of the entire school community.
Here are what HP4K members have had to say about the program (and one excited parent!):
“When we ran Stick to Reading in Stockton, we had no idea what to expect, but everything about it was amazing. The kids were so excited for the prize (which was a floor hockey game against the Stockton Thunder for the top readers). The number of books kids were reading was up in the entire school like crazy. The floor hockey game itself was amazing. Lots of people came out to watch and we donated all the money from ticket and concession sales back to the school’s reading program. This program really is great and very easy to run. I encourage everyone to give it a try.” - Oren Eizenman
“One of the best parts of Stick to Reading is the energy that is created with the kids and the players during the assembly that’s held at the very start of the program. By being really energetic, you actually start to feed off the kids’ energy as well. The more excited you get them about the fun of reading, the more they’re willing to engage in the program. I’ve noticed that by talking about my own personal experiences with reading and trying to do well in school, the kids really make a connection with me. My best advice? Most of all, make sure you’re having fun and the kids will too.” - Chris Morehouse
“My son has had a lot problems with reading and spelling. Anytime he had to do either was a very frustrating process for us, and a very un-enjoyable one for him too. He would do anything to get out of reading. Since you introduced your reading program he has been begging me to read with him every night and he has been taking a book to read himself everywhere — even hockey practice. His reading and spelling has improved dramatically. His teacher said she can’t believe how much improvement he has made in such a short time.”
It’s easy to start a Stick to Reading program in your community — right now! We’ve got everything you need to get organized. To find out more about how you can get involved with Stick to Reading, contact Erin at erin.macdonald@hp4k.org for more information.
Give Moore for the Holidays
HP4K wants YOU to join us in giving back to local children in need this holiday season by participating in our annual Give Moore for the Holidays Challenge. Help out kids in your community, have a great experience with friends during the holidays, and maybe even win some great prizes courtesy of HP4K just for getting involved!
Give Moore for the Holidays was inspired by HP4K co-founder Mike Moore in 2008. While playing for the Worcester Sharks (AHL), Mike encountered a group of kids who weren’t going to have much of a Christmas. He created a wish list of toys, had all the players on his team sign up to buy one or two inexpensive items, and arranged for the players to give the kids the toys after a December home game, which the Worcester Sharks generously donated tickets for. The event was a huge success! The kids had an absolute blast and the guys loved having the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s happy holiday.
Mike’s idea inspired HP4K members in Bridgeport, Cincinnati and Las Vegas to continue the tradition of Give Moore for the Holidays in 2009 (click here for details), and in 2010 we had even more people across the country (and even in Europe!) contribute. We believe that the sport of hockey creates great character and brings people together, and we’re looking for your help to spread the word about this special holiday initiative.
Give Moore for the Holidays Toolkit
Holiday Hat Trick
The Holiday Hat Trick is an initiative that raises money for children in need who would not normally receive gifts during the holiday season. It benefits a local organization through three different groups: players, owners, and the community.