TURNING THE PAGE ON CHILD LITERACY

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Lucia Noto. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Lucia Noto has always loved to read, and she wants every child to have that same opportunity. Growing up, Lucia found inspiration in the pages of the many books that filled her bedroom. Before bed every night, she would read stories about women who changed the world through service and leadership, no matter their ages. As she got older, Lucia was emboldened by those stories to help others. Wanting to share the excess books she had with other children who didn’t have many, she started selling her books on Amazon. When she learned that approximately 40% of students across the nation can’t read at a basic level, she instantly knew what she wanted to do with the profits.

At age 13, Lucia started Butterfly Books, an organization dedicated to providing literature to children in underserved communities and children with medical needs. Since then, Lucia has dedicated thousands of hours to addressing child literacy through read-aloud events that provide each child with a book of their choice, distributing book bundles and establishing a Little Library program. The program has been a resounding success, serving 23,984 children while hosting 51 events. They’ve also recruited 63 teen volunteers and raised over $11,000 while establishing over 14 community partnerships.

Currently a student at Rice University studying biomedical engineering on the pre-med track, Lucia is overflowing with interests, and describes her passions as STEM, music and service. But just because she’s started college doesn’t mean Lucia is going to leave Butterfly Books behind. She’s currently in the process of founding a chapter of Butterfly Books in Texas at Rice, while continuing to run the nonprofit in conjunction with the trusted volunteer leaders she’s recruited. Lucia dreams of seeing Butterfly Books establish chapters run by teen volunteers in every state, and eventually across the globe. Her mission to improve child literacy is a passionate declaration of just how influential reading can be, and how a volunteer can change the world, no matter their age. Above all, Lucia says she wants people to know that it’s possible to build an organization through forming connections, working with others and their passion to make a change in the world.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’m inspired by the idea that we all have the power to make the world just a little bit brighter, regardless of our age or our background. So my work with Butterfly Books has all taught me that volunteering lets me turn compassion into action, and I love seeing how like even the smallest gestures, like a read-aloud or a letter of love or a book bundle for my organization, can truly make someone’s day just that much better.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, and I would say books have really shaped who I am as a person. When I was in middle school during the pandemic, I realized that I had so many books in my bedroom, some of which I no longer wanted. I wanted to share those with others who could read them. I started a book-selling business on Amazon, selling books from my collection. As the business grew and I started making more profit, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with that money, because I didn’t want to just keep it for myself.

I did some research, and I learned that approximately 40% of students across the nation can’t read at a basic level. What I wanted to do was spread my love for reading with students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford books. I started my organization called Butterfly Books, and our goal is to promote literacy for children in underserved communities and children with medical needs who may not have access to books because they’re in treatment or in hospitals and medical centers.

Tell us about your volunteer role with Butterfly Books.

I’m the founder and CEO, which means I lead and manage all aspects of the organization. That includes establishing community partnerships, developing strategic growth plans, overseeing all of our volunteers and overseeing our junior Advisory Committee, organizing events and fundraising efforts, and just serving as the public face of the organization. We have three main initiatives that we work on: read-aloud events, book bundle donations and our little library program. Those are the three main things that I oversee.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

Currently, the organization is centered in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and my dream is to expand it from just a local organization into a national and eventually international organization. I’m envisioning chapters in multiple states led by teen volunteers that are each running read-aloud events, distributing book bundles and installing little libraries in their own communities and medical centers to leave a lasting impact on not just kids in the DMV, but kids everywhere.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

When I’m in person at the events, I see the impact that we’re having firsthand. The way that the children react when they open a book, or when they see a handwritten message just for them. Their smiles, their excitement and the sense that they have felt seen and supported are definitely what keep me going. It’s also really rewarding to witness the teenagers on my team and the volunteers on my team step into new leadership roles and discover that they can also make a big difference in someone else’s life.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

The biggest takeaway is that leadership, to me, is about empowering other people. I think that a strong leader doesn’t do everything alone, but instead creates space for other people to be able to grow and discover their own talents, which involves listening to different ideas, taking into account various perspectives, trusting other members of the team with responsibilities and being able to give volunteers the encouragement and tools that they need to succeed.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

I think when you help someone else, you’re able to strengthen your community and also discover new things about yourself, your values, your potential and your own unique voice. I want to emphasize that you don’t have to wait until you’re older or more experienced or more ready, whatever that’s supposed to mean, because change can start exactly where you are now. The world can become a better place every time you decide to show up for it.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

My first piece of advice is to start small and follow what you’re genuinely excited about. You don’t need to have a big master plan or a huge organization. You just have to have the willingness to take the first step. The second piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to reach out to people and start forming connections, even when you’re starting from ground zero. Some of the best opportunities come from just introducing yourself and sharing your passion with others. For example, Butterfly Books’ very first partnership was with National Institutes of Health (NIH), and I got in contact with them by cold emailing them and asking if they would be interested in partnering. Whether you’re reaching out to nonprofits, schools, businesses or individuals, you’ll never know who will say yes until you ask.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Lucia? Find local volunteer opportunities.