Our Programs

Backpacks & School Supplies

Historical Foundation records document backpack distributions that provided children with essential educational materials for the school day.

Books & Classroom Libraries

Historical Foundation records document books provided to schools and classrooms to support reading opportunities.

Book Buddies — Building Reading Confidence

A little friend. A good book. A safe place to practice reading.

Hallyboy Foundation's Book Buddies program was designed to encourage young children to develop reading confidence through a comforting and engaging experience.

The documented program provided children in pre-K through first grade with specially prepared Book Buddy packages before winter and spring school recesses.

Each package included an age-appropriate book and a small plush companion—the child's very own Book Buddy. Winter packages also included a crocheted hat and scarf.

Children selected their own packages and were encouraged to read aloud to their new Buddy.

The idea was simple: a plush companion could provide a nonjudgmental audience, helping children who felt shy or uncertain about reading aloud practice at their own pace.

The books, plush companions, hats, and scarves were gifts for the children to keep.

The program complemented the Foundation's broader literacy efforts, including donations of additional books for classroom libraries.

Because sometimes, building a love of reading begins with having a little Buddy to read to.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

Historical Foundation records document distributions of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, tissues, and other personal hygiene supplies.

Community Giving & Volunteer Support

Historical records describe volunteer activities that included assembling and organizing supplies, transporting them, and helping with distribution.