Give Spartanburg Kids the Power to Choose—and the Chance to See Themselves as Readers

Hub City Writers Project is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

Literacy That Changes Lives

Named for Hub City’s beloved bookshop cat, Zora Nelle, the program is designed not just to distribute books, but to do so in a way that affirms a child’s sense of belonging, autonomy, and self-worth. Rather than a simple gift or handout, the Zora Bucks program operates as a real-world transaction. Kids walk into the bookstore, browse the children’s section, and “pay” with their own Zora Bucks–an experience that provides dignity, choice, and joy.

Backed by Research, Powered by Community

Scientific research supports what our hearts already know: giving kids agency in how they receive help dramatically improves their outcomes. Neuroscience studies show that perceived social value and participation–rather than pity or passive charity–can increase motivation, enhance neural development, and even lead to better long-term health outcomes. Children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are up to three times more likely to experience poor health outcomes later in life. Zora Bucks meets that challenge head-on—offering early, joyful, self-directed reading experiences that can alter a child’s trajectory.

A Wide-Reaching Impact

Zora Bucks can be distributed through a broad list of community partners, including:

Title I schools
Libraries and mentorship programs
Domestic violence shelters
Public housing and transitional housing organizations
Refugee and immigrant support groups
Foster care networks
Community health clinics and pediatric offices
Food pantries and mutual aid organizations
Early Head Start and homeschool programs

Organizations interested in participating can email Julie Jones at juliepjones@hubcity.org for more information.