Current News & Events
November 13th Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Essex Library, Essex
Holiday Reading Kits Project Begins!
At this meeting, we will distribute backpack tags for our Holiday Reading Kits—our signature seasonal project that puts books and holiday cheer into the hands of children in need throughout our community.
With guidance from staff at our local elementary schools in Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, and Old Saybrook, RVFF will provide approximately 100 children (ages 6–11) with a Holiday Reading Kit:
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A festive red backpack filled with books
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Fun, interactive items (props, games, or activities that bring the book to life)
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Hats and gloves to help keep kids warm during the winter months
RVFF has already purchased backpacks and basic activity supplies (colored pencils, crayons, etc.). Members and supporters will help complete the kits by purchasing books and additional items.
How You Can Participate
Join us at the November meeting
Pick up shopping tags and choose the items you’d like to provide.
OR
Make a contribution
You can support the Holiday Reading Kit project by contributing online:
👉 https://bit.ly/rvff-holiday-reading
(After entering your billing details, please note “Holiday Reading Kits” under Additional Information.)
Please make contributions by Wednesday, December 3.
RVFF shoppers will use donated funds to purchase books and other materials. Kits will be assembled and delivered to schools before the holiday break.
We hope you’ll join us as we kick off this meaningful, joyful project—and help children across our community keep reading all winter long!
September 18th General Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended our first fall meeting at Essex Place. We welcomed representatives from our partner libraries and were proud to award $10,500 in RVFF grants to support children’s literacy and programming in our community.
Grants were awarded to:
• The Henry Carter Hull Library (Clinton)
• Deep River Public Library
• Essex Library Association
• Ivoryton Library
• Acton Public Library (Old Saybrook)
• Chester Public Library
• Westbrook Public Library
In addition to the Grant Awards Ceremony, the agenda included:
• Presentation of the financial report through August 31
• Announcement of the Fall Competitive Grants Review
• Discussion of RVFF plans for the remainder of the year
We are grateful to everyone who joined us as we celebrated our library partners and the impact of this year’s grant awards. Together, we continue to strengthen literacy and learning opportunities for families across our communities.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
On the eventing of July 24th River Valley Fund for Families (RVFF) hosted a magical evening at the Ivoryton Playhouse, beginning with a pre-show reception ahead of the beloved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Guests enjoyed refreshing drinks and delectable hors d’oeuvres under the tent, celebrating community spirit and a shared commitment to supporting local families.
This special event was part of RVFF’s Positive Paths Initiative Fundraiser. Proceeds supported public libraries in Essex, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Ivoryton, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook—as well as local nonprofits dedicated to fostering literacy and youth development.
A portion of ticket sales and sponsorships was awarded as grants to organizations ensuring that children have the tools they need to thrive through reading and education.
This event was one of RVFF’s signature fundraising celebrations of 2025, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make a meaningful impact.
2025 Summer Reading Kits
River Valley Fund for Families (RVFF) once again provided Summer Reading Kits to approximately 100 children (ages 6–11) in Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, and Old Saybrook. These kits included:
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🎒 A bright yellow backpack
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📖 Books and workbooks recommended by school reading consultants
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🎲 Fun, themed activities and props
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✏️ Supplies like colored pencils, crayons, and scissors
These Reading Kits are designed to make reading interactive, engaging, and fun—bringing stories to life and helping children maintain their reading skills over the summer.
On Tuesday, June 3rd, RVFF volunteers came together with books, items and backpacks to assemble the 100 kits. Many thanks to all the helpers!
And a special thank you to Grace and Haven of Essex for donation of 100 Kindness Kits to go along with the Reading Kits.
Joan Falcigno and Barbara Haines (RVFF Leadership Team) delivering Reading Kits to Chester Elementary School
May 15th General Meeting
Our May meeting was held at Essex Place. Members gathered for updates, planning, and a productive start to the summer season.
During the meeting:
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Summer Reading Kit backpack tags were distributed to volunteers, officially kicking off the assembly of kits that will be delivered to local children.
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We reviewed planning updates for the Ivoryton Playhouse Fundraiser on July 24, discussed ticket sales, and outlined ways members could support the popular Wine Pull.
We appreciate all who attended and contributed to the collaborative spirit of the evening. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped move our summer initiatives forward.
RVFF Volunteer Meeting – April 22
Special Guests
Our Ivoryton Playhouse July 24th fundraiser will raise targeted funds to support our local River Valley and Shoreline public libraries, with a focus on their programs addressing children and families.
Representatives from the following libraries were our guests and shared a comments on their current programs and what our fundraising will support.
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Chester Library
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Deep River Library
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Essex Library
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Ivoryton Library
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Acton Library (Old Saybrook)
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Westbrook Library
Past News & Events
Click on the links below to view activites in past years.