Reading does not stop in the summer. Click Here to Volunteer This Summer

When a child learns to read,
their whole world opens up.

Charleys Kids Foundation supports children and communities through a shared focus on education, mentorship, and access to healthy food.

Volunteer with us → View our programs

Our impact, in numbers

30+
partner organizations & programs supported
250K+
students served in the 2025–2026 school year
5
countries across the world with supported programming
16
states across the US with active partnerships
90%
of our students love participating in our programs

The pillars of our foundation

A child engaged in reading and learning
Foundational literacy skills that shape what a child can learn, pursue, and become as well as building a lifelong joy of reading.
A student who has a consistent adult in their corner is more likely to engage, more likely to stay on track, and more likely to believe their options are open. CKF builds that kind of presence into the program structure.
Kids who are hungry cannot focus on reading. Wellness and academic success are connected, and CKF treats them that way.

Our Programs

Children's Tutoring Initiative →

We work directly with our partner schools in Central Ohio by placing trained community volunteers with elementary students to build foundational reading skills.
Leaders Arise →

Develops high school students as reading mentors for elementary classrooms, building leadership and communication skills along the way.
Partner Programs →

Extend the work beyond the region to locations across the country and around the world, connecting local Charleys communities to a broader network of shared impact.

Expanding access,
locally and globally.

We partner with schools and organizations across the U.S. and around the world to bring literacy, mentorship, and access to healthy food to children and communities.

Hover a pin for its name Click for details ↕ Scroll to zoom
See all our partner programs →

Eat at Today

Your next meal is already doing something good.

10¢ from every combo meal you buy at a participating Charleys supports literacy programs, mentorship, and access to healthy food for kids in communities Charleys has called home for decades.

Find a Charleys near you →
10¢
per combo

Volunteering with us changes more than just the student.

You don't need a background in education to make a real difference in a child's life. We equip every volunteer with the training, materials, and support needed to show up prepared and confident.

Join us as a volunteer → Learn more →

What's the best part of volunteering with CKF?

My student overcoming his shyness, developing courage to try new things, and seeing him smile when I approach our learning space.

CB
Cindy B.Community Volunteer, Daniel Wright Elementary

What's the best part of volunteering with CKF?

I am a consistent and steady part of their week. Getting to show her that she is loved, valued, important, and cared about.

BW
Brittany W.Community Volunteer, Harambee Christian School

What's the best part of volunteering with CKF?

As a retired teacher, I really enjoy using my skill set to work with kids again.

SS
Susan S.Community Volunteer, Finland Elementary

What's the best part of volunteering with CKF?

Everyone wants to be seen. This individual attention is key to anyone's success.

MC
Midge C.Community Volunteer, Ohio Avenue

What's the best part of volunteering with CKF?

Seeing the difference that a caring adult can make in the life of a child. And knowing that I can encourage her and hopefully improve her confidence in reading.

TW
Taylor W.Community Volunteer, Burroughs Elementary

Latest stories, events and updates.

Charleys Kids Joins Hilliard Kiwanis
April 2026
Charleys Kids Joins Hilliard Kiwanis
Charleys Kids Foundation became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hilliard in April 2026, deepening the Foundation's community ties in the Columbus metro area.
Read more →
Columbus Chamber Member Spotlight
February 2026
Columbus Chamber Member Spotlight
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce featured Charleys Kids Foundation, spotlighting CTI's reading program, the launch of Leaders Arise, and the Foundation's community presence across the region.
Read more →
Charleys Kids Foundation Impact Award 2026
2026
Charleys Kids Foundation Impact Award 2026
The Bridge to Kindness recognized Charleys Kids Foundation for its positive impact on the community.
See all stories & media →

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Charleys Kids

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