Worth Reading Into

Of all the great charitable organizations out there, one that resonates deeply with many writers is Literacy Partners, a New York nonprofit that provides free reading classes to adults who are functionally illiterate. In its 35 years of operation, the organization has taught tens of thousands of adults how to read.

As shocking as it might seem, there are still over 97 million Americans that cannot read beyond a 5th grade level. Aside from all the practical reasons for learning to read — from job applications to government forms to food packaging in the supermarket — reading a great book, article, or post on the web brings a unique pleasure and enrichment ... and so much is lost without access to that media and its messages. Writers, if anyone, understand this.

Carolee jewelry — which makes lots of affordable baubles, including the big faux-pearl choker Michelle Obama seemed to live in all summer — recently introduced its Author's Collection, a group of thin silver bangles engraved with inspirational messages written by a handful of popular authors, from heavyweights like Joyce Carol Oates to the queen of beach-read romances, Danielle Steel.

A donation of $10 from the purchase of each of these limited edition bracelets will be given to Literacy Partners and its reading and outreach programs. The mottos on the bracelets range from sentimental to sassy, so whether you want to live by Cecilia Ahern's words ("Dream ... then make it happen") or Plum Sykes' ("Always wear an unbelievable dress — it'll get you everything you want"), there's a phrase for everyone.

Although they're sold separately, these bangles are best suited to wearing in multiples, stacked in a jangly row dangling from one wrist. Even if you're not a bracelet wearer, it's worth thinking of these for graduation presents in a couple months' time. After all, what could be a better gift for a student than something beautiful with a message that inspires... and the added reminder that it's vital to give back?

Carolee Author's Collection Bracelet. $100, www.literacypartners.org.