The Sacramento Monarchs brought some smiles to the kids at Will C. Wood Middle School this week. As part of WNBA Cares Week, the entire Monarchs team visited students from Will C. Wood Middle School and hosted a Monarchs Reading Rally to promote education and literacy.

“It’s important to get back in touch with the Sacramento community because we’re gone for a few months each year,” said Monarchs guard Kara Lawson. “So it’s important to let people know we’re back for the summer, and we care about the community.”

Players and coaches broke into smaller groups to host interactive reading sessions with students and answered questions. “I really like to interact with the kids,” said Lawson. “They give you energy, and they have such a great outlook on life. They’re excited to get a chance to meet us and ask us questions.”

Also on hand was the Monarchs lovable mascot Monty and the Sacramento Breakers. After the rally, each student received a new book and other fun Monarchs prizes.

Read to Achieve is a year-round campaign to help young people develop a lifelong love for reading and encourage adults to read regularly with children. Reaching an estimated 50 million children a year, Read to Achieve is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports.