Volunteers from the Pasadena Christ Child Society have decided that the best way to get school kids get excited about reading is to…well, read.

Started two years ago by the charitable organization, the Pair and Learn Sessions (PALS) program has been sending volunteers into St. Andrew School in Pasadena to read, listen and tutor students in grades 1-3.

"Our volunteers sit and read or listen to students read on a one-on-one basis," says Kathy Leroy of the Pasadena Christ Child Society. "We work together with the teachers to get the kids excited and energized about reading."

Last year Christ Child began partnering with Reading By Nine Foundation --- a literacy program funded by the Times Mirror Foundation --- to administrate the PALS program.

The program has been so successful that there are plans to bring it to other Catholic schools in the San Gabriel Valley. "We would like to know if other schools in the area might be interested in our program," says Leroy who adds that understaffed schools might welcome the help and support.

"We are also currently working on writing a grant to increase the library at St. Andrew's," she says. "Our volunteers really want these kids to have all resources and books they need at their fingertips."

Currently, about 20 volunteers work during school hours and after school, helping children with literacy skills and homework. Leroy says that in the past two years, volunteers have gotten to know their mentees very well and "feel a real affinity for these children. Having someone read to you or listening to them read is such a great gift to give."

For more information about the PALS program, call Sharon DeBriere at (626) 938-3098.