At the News-Press, we have a vested interest in this project. We stand to benefit if residents are able to read the written word. In fact, the whole community benefits when its members are literate.

For more than 20 years, Pass the Power Adult Literacy has filled a vital need. For various reasons - unstable home life, undiagnosed learning disabilities, frequent moving - people reach adulthood and cannot read.

Pass the Power is a unique outreach program of the Western Institute at Missouri Western State University. The program is funded entirely through local donations and grants. All students receive free one-on-one or small group instruction for reading, math skills and English for speakers of other languages.

The need for Pass the Power's work is evident: One in 10 adults in Buchanan County is functionally illiterate and 20 percent of adults do not have a high school diploma or GED. Now, the need is outpacing the funds available. Pass the Power is asking people to join in supporting the program through the creative Letters for Literacy project. Individuals and businesses can purchase a letter to show their support, such as N for the News-Press or J for the Johnson family.

One dollar invested in literacy returns $33 to the overall economy by boosting productivity for workers and businesses. An even greater return can be seen in the lives of people who for the first time can open a checking account, read the instructions on a bottle of medicine or fill out a job application.

For more information about Letters for Literacy, or to find out more about adult literacy programs, contact Pass the Power at 271-4113.

At the News-Press, we make no secret that we have a vested interest in making sure people can read. Each of you has an interest, as well.