The Positive Change program raises money for local non-profit organizations working to better our community. We believe in the power of change and the power of community – Positive Change combines these two beliefs into one powerful program. The Positive Change program is one of the many ways the Co-op fulfills the seventh cooperative principle: Concern for Community.
Next time you check out, say “I’d like to round-up for Positive Change,” and we’ll round-up the total of your purchase to the nearest dollar, or you can donate any desired amount. Each month, the selected non-profit organization receives 100% of the donated funds, plus an additional $500 grant from the Co-op. In celebration of National Co-op Month, MFC reserves the month of October each year to fundraise for a program, fund, or organization to be determined at the discretion of MFC's Outreach Committee. Annually, the Board of Directors selects one Positive Change recipient to receive an additional grant from our Cooperative Community Fund. Thank you for contributing to positive change and making a difference in our community!
SMART Reading
Round up this February to help SMART Reading foster a love a reading and improve literacy skills by providing free books and one-on-one reading support for local kids! The mission of SMART Reading is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book.
SMART Reading is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for children in Oregon. Its mission is to spark joy and opportunity through shared reading experiences, primarily by providing one-on-one reading time with trained volunteers and access to free books for children. Since its inception in 1992, SMART Reading has served over 396,000 children and distributed more than 4.5 million books across the state. In the Rogue Valley area alone, during the 2023-24 school year, SMART Reading reached 846 students at 26 sites, engaging 274 volunteers who dedicated 5,877 hours to reading sessions and giving away 8,300 books to local children.
SMART Reading focuses on literacy as a social determinant of health. Research has found significant correlations between early literacy, long-term health, and socioeconomic success. Literacy contributes to higher academic achievement, which is linked to better health outcomes and reduced social inequities. Access to books and reading programs can mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic barriers faced by children from underserved communities.
For example, a 2019 study in the Journal of Global Health found that having access to books at home nearly doubles literacy and numeracy gains. Providing inclusive, diverse books promotes social-emotional development and cultural understanding. SMART Reading prioritizes culturally affirming books that reflect the identities and lived experiences of children, addressing the need for equity and representation in reading materials. Through shared reading programs, SMART Reading ensures children receive books to keep, fostering a love of reading and supporting literacy development in populations with limited access to books.
Thanks to SMART Reading’s programs 91% of students showed improvement in reading enjoyment, 90% showed improvement in vocabulary development, and 87% improved their confidence in reading skills in 2023-2024.
Funds will be used to provide greater access to culturally inclusive, high-quality books and personalized reading support for children from economically disadvantaged households. These funds will help ensure that children in Jackson County can build home libraries, participate in shared reading sessions with caring adult volunteers, and experience the joys and benefits of reading, which are critical for academic and life success. By providing books and engaging literacy experiences, SMART Reading helps combat the literacy gap, which disproportionately affects children in low-income and underserved communities, and sets them up for future success.
SMART Reading
SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest-need schools and marginalized communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.
SMART Reading’s mission is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book. Their vision is an Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading. Founded in 1992, the program combines early childhood reading support, adult mentorship, book ownership, and community engagement to positively impact literacy outcomes. SMART Reading provides a meaningful way for Oregonians to make a direct impact in their communities.
Reading matters. It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other injustices. Lower literacy rates don’t just hurt individual children; they hurt us all. They impact the future health and prosperity of Oregon. They add strain on social and health services, impede our economic growth, and weaken our workforce. SMART Reading’s founders understood this when they grew a grassroots nonprofit focused on children’s literacy. They understood that literacy is not just our education system’s challenge, but one for local communities, businesses, foundations, congregations, and neighbors.
Funds will be used to buy books, ensure the safety of children and volunteers through background checks, train SMART Reading Site Coordinators and Readers, and purchase supplies for programs.
We turn spare change into Positive Change for local non-profits.
The Positive Change program is for organizations seeking direct financial support. Positive Change recipients for 2027 will be selected by our owners in the 2026 Annual Election. If your organization would like to be notified when the 2028 application is available this fall, please contact us.
If you are seeking a food or gift card donation, please complete our Donation Request Form.
A few cents here and there add up to big impacts for our local non-profits.
