For many volunteers, Read Across America is a simple way to give back to the community. For Yeshwant Sanzgiri, a United Way of Lake County board member, it’s also deeply personal.
Yeshwant has participated in Read Across America for many years, going back to when the event was connected to Dr. Seuss’s birthday celebrations. When he was first invited to read in a classroom, he immediately said yes. Not only because he enjoys volunteering, but because of his lifelong love of reading.
“I’ve loved reading since I was a child... I’ve always had a deep appreciation for what reading can do to change lives.”
Like many volunteers, Yeshwant admits that stepping into a classroom can feel a little uncomfortable at first — but that feeling quickly fades.
“It’s a lot of fun once you get started,” he said. “You see the students’ curiosity right away. They ask questions about the book, about you, about your life. Their fearless curiosity is what really stands out.”
For Yeshwant, those moments of connection are just as important as the story itself.
“I think it matters for kids to meet adults they don’t see every day... Hearing the same message from a different person, with different life experiences, can make a real difference."
"When we talk about how books shaped our lives, that can be just as meaningful as reading the book itself.”
He encourages others to take part in Read Across America, calling it a small commitment that can have a lasting impact.
“You never know what might spark a child’s interest or confidence. Something as simple as reading together can stay with them longer than you realize.”
Through volunteers like Yeshwant, Read Across America continues to create moments of connection, curiosity, and encouragement for local students — one story at a time.