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Bryan Brothers Foundation Sponsors Talbot Humane’s PAWS to Read Challenge
The Bryan Brothers Foundation is partnering with Talbot Humane as the 2026-27 PAWS to Read Challenge presenting sponsor to help local children build reading skills while providing companionship for shelter animals.
Papa Johns of Easton and Easton Utilities also support the challenge through donated pizza gift certificates and in-kind radio spots, respectively.
The challenge began Sept. 1, 2026, and continues through Aug. 1, 2027. Children read aloud to animals at Talbot Humane and earn rewards as they reach reading milestones.
“Talbot Humane is bringing together children, literacy, and animal welfare in a meaningful way,” said Bryan Brothers Foundation Executive Director Allen M. Bryan Jr. “We are pleased to support a program that encourages children to strengthen their reading skills while learning how their time and kindness can help animals.”
Talbot Humane established PAWS to Read in 2014 as part of its humane education initiative. Reading aloud gives children practice with phonics and comprehension while building confidence. Shelter animals benefit from the quiet companionship and enrichment during what can be a stressful time.
“PAWS to Read gives parents a wonderful way to help their children practice reading while showing them how even a quiet act of kindness can make a difference for an animal,” said Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, executive director of Talbot Humane.
Children earn rewards at three reading milestones: an activity bundle at 25 hours, a pizza gift certificate at 50 hours, and a PAWS to Read T-shirt at 75 hours. With parental approval, participants can also receive recognition on Talbot Humane’s social media channels.
The Talbot County Free Library, public and private schools in Talbot County, and Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers are also helping spread the word and encourage participation.
Parents or guardians must enroll their children in PAWS to Read, and participants must complete an orientation with Talbot Humane Volunteer Coordinator Megan Dornton. Parents or guardians record each child’s reading time on an individual log sheet during every visit.
Parents and guardians interested in enrolling a child should contact Dornton at megandornton@gmail.com or 410-822-0107.
The Bryan Brothers Foundation helps Eastern Shore children grow through participation in youth sports, recreation, and development programs. Established in 2003 in memory of James M. “Jimmy” Bryan Jr., the Foundation was renamed in 2013 to honor all four Bryan brothers.
The Foundation provides grants supporting youth programs, program expansion, capital needs, and assistance for children and families facing emergencies. More information is available at www.ShoreKids.org.
Talbot Humane has served the Mid-Shore community since 1932. The nonprofit provides animal sheltering and adoption, humane education, spay-and-neuter initiatives, pet retention resources, and other services supporting animals and the people who care for them.
More information about Talbot Humane and its programs is available at www.TalbotHumane.org.
