A Part of PSWIFT History

Elementary school children throughout the valley  eagerly awaited the arrival of volunteers from Coachella Valley BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) who share the joy of books by reading aloud to them. 

The 50 volunteers--who were actors, retired teachers and others--introduced the wonderful world of reading and literacy to 2,246 children weekly by reading engaging picture books to the classics of children's literature.

The program started in the Coachella Valley in 2007, and in January 2010, was adopted by Palm Springs Women in Film & Television as one of its projects. Dr. Carreon Academy in Indio and Cathedral City Elementary were the first schools to join, and soon thereafter the program added 20 additional schools throughout the Valley. Volunteers have also read at Martha's Village, and in the summer, appear at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert and the Family YMCA of the Desert.