President and Founder of Literacy Nonprofit Named 2014 Central Illinois Volunteer of the Year

Peoria, Ill (July 17, 2014) - In its second year, Direct Energy and the Journal Star's 2014 Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program is honoring Janet Roth of Peoria, Illinois, president and founder of the literacy nonprofit, Look. It's My Book!. Since the nonprofit's establishment in 2008, Roth's volunteer efforts have resulted in providing more than 90,000 books to grade school students in Peoria School District's schools. Not only has she provided books to those children in need, but has research to back up her hypothesis that children who take books home actually improve their academic achievement.

Roth collaborated with a retired employee of the Illinois State Board of Education to measure and evaluate all the literature on book give-away programs that involved both control groups with no books and the groups that received books. The result: There is a statistically significant result of improvement in reading readiness, reading, and a carry over to math skills in giving books to children to have and take home. There is also anecdotal evidence to support the cause. One story shared involves a school bus driver who told Roth the first time the children received books via the literacy nonprofit, there was no talking on the bus ? all the children sat quietly and read their books. In addition, Roth has recruited about 200 volunteers to assist with her efforts and to raise money.

"By hosting this award program in Central Illinois for a second time, we were hoping to find yet another outstanding volunteer that makes the community a better place to live. Janet and her dedication to helping children excel academically through literacy fits the bill, and we are excited to honor her in this way," said David Hindman, general manager for Direct Energy's residential business.

By winning the 2014 Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year award, Roth will receive a $5,000 donation to Look. It's My Book! from Direct Energy. The donation will be used to purchase more books for children to select and take home.

"We are thrilled to honor Janet Roth as this year's Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year winner," said Ken Mauser, publisher of the Journal Star. "Janet is a true example of the amazing volunteers we have in Central Illinois."

A special event honoring Roth will be held at First Federated Church, 3601 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, Illinois 61604 on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Representatives from Direct Energy and the Journal Star will be on hand to present Roth with her award.

Last year's Central Illinois Volunteer Citizen of the Year awardee was Quinton Brown, volunteer pastor at New Beginnings Worship Center, for establishing a community center to educate youth.

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
Andrea.Romo@directenergy.com
412.334.9510