Patrick Peterson’s Foundation for Success is launching its Pick Up a Book Program, which supports Children’s Literacy Development, at San Marcos Elementary School on Tues. Sept. 9.

The program is putting 60 local Phoenix schools to the test to see if each can read 100,000 minutes this fall. Students will record reading minutes online, and the school with the most combined minutes receives a Papa John’s pizza party with the athlete.

The Pick Up a Book Program strives to rally together communities through engaging reading events that properly prepare students to read and learn. After growing up in an impoverished community, Peterson wanted to make sure other children would not have easier access to education and resources to be successful.  

Peterson started the foundation in 2013 to provide Title 1 schools with access to books and a welcoming environment for learning. His goal is to aid more than 30,000 at-risk Arizona youth by the end of 2015.

Other programs include Shop With a Jock, where Patrick teams up with Santa Claus to host a holiday event that includes a meal and shopping experience for 50 low-income families. At Peterson’s back to school event, Gearing Up, 250 inner city children come to get backpacks filled with essential school supplies as well as clothing and shoes for the new academic year.

The event starts at 1:15 p.m. and is located at San Marcos Elementary School, 451 West Frye Rd. Chandler, AZ 85225.