Main blue logo of Percy's friends reading services. The dog illustration has red reading glasses and in the middle is a blue and yellow book.

Connecting students and families with the resources, support, and tutoring for reading services they need to succeed

SERVING SARASOTA COUNTY

The teacher is in the best reading tutoring program, and she is teaching reading. Next to her is a boxwood with a book in his hands, he is dressed in blue jeans, yellow t-shirt. They are in the library and are accompanied by a dog.
Percy's friends blue and red book icon illustration

1 in 4* Florida Adults Lack Basic Literacy Skills

*based on a study released by The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

We’re committed to changing this.

Two children are reading a beige book. The older one is dressed in an orange T-shirt and beige shorts. The younger one is wearing a blue T-shirt and sneakers. Both are sitting on the glass and behind them are trees.

Literacy Matters

Percy's friends reading program yellow book icon illustration

A child’s ability to read and comprehend affects their success in both school and life. 

Kids who read on grade-level are more likely to have higher self-esteem and more success throughout life. We want the best for the children in our community, and that starts with their reading! 

We provide a holistic approach to literacy. It’s hard to focus on encouraging children to read when there are bigger, more pressing needs within the family. 

Percy’s Friends is here for children and their families. We support our students in and out of the classroom – with a passion for reading and a desire to help students set and reach their biggest goals!

Fuel young minds with the magic of books. Your kids' books donation to Percy's Friends sparks curiosity, nurtures imagination, and empowers children through the joy of reading. Join us in creating a brighter future one page at a time

Ready to Make a Difference?

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

Be part of the transformation. Your donation, no matter the amount, has the potential to change lives. Join hands with us and contribute to building a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to thrive through the power of literacy

Your contribution is a direct investment in the educational journey of children and the betterment of our community.

We will provide you with a 501(c)3 donation receipt for tax purposes

DONATE NOW

A holistic approach to reading support for elementary students

A woman and a boy are reading a book in the library. She is holding the book, wearing a brown shirt and short black hair. The boy has blond hair and is wearing a green and white plaid shirt.

Community Connections

We’ll sit down to chat about where families may need additional support and help them connect with the right community resources.

The girl has black hair and in a ponytail. She is touching books with different colors and is wearing a purple coat in sarasota.

Book Match Program

We connect kids with books on their reading level that are about things they’re interested in. They’re more excited + motivated to read!

A boy is sitting on a dark gray sofa. He is holding a book with an illustration of a rabbit in the center. He is dressed in blue jeans, an animal print coat and blue striped socks.

Buddies Program

Well trained service and therapy dogs

Evidence-based tutoring is paired with practice reading to well-trained dogs to give kids the skills and confidence they need to succeed!

Sarasota County reading program tutoring club gets down to business

Meet the Team

Percy’s Friends was founded by Sarasota County native, Alisha Buckman. The organization is an intentional combination of her skills and experience as an attorney and elementary school teacher with her love of animals and desire to positively impact her community. 

Our team is passionate about helping kids 12 and under master crucial literacy skills so they can excel and live their dreams!

Percy's friends blue dog with reading glasses icon illustrations in Sarasota County

Want to Support Percy’s Friends?

We love connecting with other mission-focused individuals and organizations in the community!

We welcome support in three key areas: Time, Money, and Books

Click below to send us an email and let us know you’d like to get involved.