TNF For Good campaign aims to donate one million books to kids

For many, Thanksgiving means not only the opportunity to feast with friends and family, but also a chance to slip into sweatpants (ahhh!) and enjoy the tradition of Thanksgiving football. This year, you might consider reaching for a book instead of the cheese dip.

 

The Smithsonian, Amazon Prime Video and the National Football League have partnered to donate 1 million books and literacy resources to Boys & Girls Clubs across all 30 NFL markets as part of a program called TNF for Good. Video highlights from the kickoff events will be featured in the NFL’s broadcast of Thursday Night Football on Friday, November 29

 

Hailey Gibson attended a kick-off event with the Baltimore Ravens and reports on how this partnership aims to inspire change.

The Smithsonian team at the November 21 TNF for Good event in Baltimore.

A flock of young Baltimoreans descended upon the Webster Kendrick Boys and Girls Clubhouse a week before Thanksgiving to find their gymnasium filled with lots of new faces and many, many, books.

This was the second of three flagship reading events, wherein the Smithsonian kicked off a partnership with the National Football League and Amazon, to donate one million books and literacy resources to Boys and Girls Clubs across every metro area in the U.S. with an NFL team—30 in all.

Under Secretary for Education Monique Chism pauses for a photo op with Baltimore Ravens mascot Poe and a young member of the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Established in 1906, the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) works to enable youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Through education, support, and meaningful experiences, the BGCA aims to help members develop the tools and confidence to graduate high school and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

A young girl cradles several books, including “Paloma’s Songs for Puerto Rico,” published by the Smithsonian Museum of the American Latino.

President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club Metropolitan Baltimore Jeff Breslin began Thursday’s event with a few special thanks and introductions to Baltimore Ravens legends Terrance West and Jermaine Lewis. These hometown stars were joined by their feathery friend and mascot, Poe.

The players handed out hundreds of Smithsonian books to 2 through 5thgraders during the event, happily chatting with the kids and stopping for a picture or two. Members of the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary of Education and the Office of Public Affairs were present to facilitate additional educational activities such as bookmark decorating, puzzles, brain teasers, and mazes inspired by Smithsonian collections.

Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West joins a young reader in the Book Nook.

The event is also the latest in a long-standing partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore and the Ravens. Back in 2019, the Baltimore Ravens helped renovate the Webster Kendrick Clubhouse, revamping the multipurpose room and teen lounge with new floors, furniture, and technology.

Young dancers get some tips from (or perhaps are offering their own) two Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders.

Throughout the next year, the Smithsonian will sponsor a series of book fairs in each NFL market as it advances towards its goal of supporting literacy and a love of learning across the country. Two other kickoff events took place in Kansas City, featuring members of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit, featuring the Detroit Lions. Video highlights from the kickoff events will be featured in the NFL’s broadcast of Thursday Night Football on Friday, November 29th. 

It is a priority for the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary of Education, Dr. Monique M. Chism, to help bring the magic of reading into every classroom. “When I was a kid, I loved to read because it used to open up new adventures to all types of things that could happen in the world,” she told club members at Webster Kendrick. “I’m so excited for you to go pick one of your favorite books and take that home with you today.”

Learn more about this partnership to inspire change at: Prime Video, Smithsonian, NFL Inspire Change, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America Launch Partnership to Help More Children Access Books | Smithsonian Institution

Hailey Gibson is an undergraduate student at Howard University and an intern with the Smithsonian’s Office of Public Affairs. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors, cozying up with a book, or baking something sweet!