How Volunteer Peggy Martin is Inspiring Young Readers
When you walk into the Zable Foundation Clubhouse on a typical Wednesday, you’re likely to be greeted by the sound of enthusiastic chatter as little voices ask, “What are we reading today?” followed by a chorus of excited first- and second-graders screaming, “Hi Miss Peggy!”
That warm welcome is for Peggy Martin, a dedicated volunteer, whose gentle presence and genuine love for kids, continues to make an indelible mark on the Club.
Peggy brings a passion for youth development to BGCSM Bookworms, a growing program at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos focused on encouraging early literacy among youth ages 6 to 8. Funded by the Dr. Seuss Foundation, this initiative creates a fun, group-based learning environment where young readers can grow their skills and confidence. Held twice a week at both the Jennifer Loscher and Zable Foundation Branches, Bookworms combines story time with hands-on, book-themed activities — all made possible with the help of volunteers like Peggy.
“I love what the Club is doing with the kids,” she said. “I like that it gives them a place to go after school...that the Club is here to be that extra support for the families, for the kids and for the community.”
After a successful career rooted in human resources, office management and accounting in Washington State, Peggy relocated and eventually retired in San Marcos. She looked for meaningful ways to give back to her community, and that search led her to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos—and she hasn’t looked back since.
“I look forward to Bookworms every week. I love the little kids,” she said, her face lighting up. “The first week I returned after an injury, I was sitting outside, and as the kids came walking up from school, they started yelling, ‘Miss Peggy! Miss Peggy!’ My heart nearly burst.”
Now in her second-year volunteering in the program, Peggy has not only built strong bonds with the children in her group, but has seen firsthand how consistency, encouragement, and a little fun can go a long way. “Last year, I saw such growth—not just in their reading skills, but in their ability to sit still and stay engaged,” she said with pride, explaining how rewarding it is to witness this kind of progress during such a formative time.
Peggy’s dedication is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact volunteers can have on the lives of young people. Through her service, she has not only helped kids build their literacy skills—she has also played a role in strengthening their confidence, their curiosity and their love of learning.
“Reading opens up so much of the world to everybody,” said Peggy. “More than anything else that I do, it makes me feel like I'm helping—and that’s important to me.”
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
-Dr. Seuss
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