April 29, 2026
By: Joy Talmon, United Way of Central Iowa
How Early Literacy Shapes Success in Our Community
When a child opens a book, they begin building more than reading skills. They begin developing confidence, curiosity and a foundation for lifelong success. In our community, early literacy is not only an education issue. It is a workforce issue, an economic issue and a shared priority for Greater Des Moines (DSM).
Education success starts early, and reading plays a critical role in that foundation. Community data shows that just 66% of third graders in central Iowa are reading at grade level, meaning one in three children is already behind. Reading by the end of third grade is one of the strongest indicators of long-term success in school and in life. When children struggle early, the effects can follow them for years.
Access to books is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. When kids have books at home and in their learning environments, they build essential skills, confidence and a love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom. These early experiences shape how children show up at school, how they engage with learning and eventually how prepared they are for future careers.
That is why United Way of Central Iowa’s annual Stuff the Bus initiative focuses on getting books directly into the hands of children across the region.
![a group of volunteers posing with books in front of a semi truck]()
Creating Readers in Greater Des Moines
Stuff the Bus is a community-wide book drive that brings together businesses, organizations and individuals around a shared goal of supporting early literacy and education success. Through the initiative, new and like-new children’s books are collected and distributed to childcare centers, in-home providers and child-serving programs across Polk, Dallas and Warren counties, including many supported by United Way of Central Iowa.
Based on the momentum seen each year, Stuff the Bus regularly results in tens of thousands of books reaching children from birth through middle school. Those books are shared where they can have the greatest impact, supporting daily reading and positive learning experiences during the years when development matters most.
While the event itself lasts a day, the impact lasts far longer.
![man carrying a box of books]()
When children develop strong literacy skills early, they are more likely to succeed academically, graduate high school and pursue postsecondary education or workforce training. These outcomes are critical to building a skilled, resilient future workforce for DSM.
Investing in early literacy is about more than school performance. It is about opening doors to opportunity. It is about ensuring children have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond, and ensuring our community has a strong pipeline of talent for the future.
Stuff the Bus also reflects the power of partnership. The initiative depends on collaboration between nonprofits, corporate partners, volunteers and community supporters who recognize that lasting change happens when people come together around shared goals.
Stuff the Bus in 2026
This year, Stuff the Bus will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Athene, located at 7700 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Community members and organizations are encouraged to participate by donating new or like-new children’s books, hosting a workplace book drive or spreading awareness about the impact of early literacy.
For those interested in making a broader impact, United Way of Central Iowa also offers year-round volunteer opportunities that support children and families across the region. Whether through reading with young students or supporting child-focused programs, there are many ways to get involved and help strengthen our community.
![Stuff the Bus volunteers]()
Stuff the Bus is possible because of the generosity and commitment of partners and supporters. United Way of Central Iowa extends gratitude to sponsors Athene, EY and KIOA, as well as partners Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and Ruan, and the many businesses and individuals who continue to show up for children across the region.
Each book donated represents more than pages and words. It represents belief in a child’s potential, investment in future success and a shared commitment to building a stronger central Iowa for generations to come.
To learn more about Stuff the Bus, volunteer opportunities or ways to get involved, visit unitedwaydm.org.
This story is authored by Joy Talmon. Joy Talmon is the Volunteer Engagement Officer at United Way of Central Iowa, where she leads efforts to engage volunteers who play a vital role in community impact. She connects individuals, organizations and corporations with meaningful opportunities that foster year-round engagement, strengthen teams and help address interconnected challenges across central Iowa.
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Joy Talmon, United Way of Central Iowa
Joy Talmon is the Volunteer Engagement Officer at United Way of Central Iowa, where she leads efforts to engage volunteers who play a vital role in community impact. She connects individuals, organizations and corporations with meaningful opportunities that foster year-round engagement, strengthen teams and help address interconnected challenges across central Iowa.