People & Stories launches $80,000 appeal tied to 80-day campaign

People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos has launched its 2026 annual appeal, aiming to raise $80,000 by GivingTuesday on Dec. 1 to fund about 32 eight-week programs and help offset federal arts funding cuts. Donors will get a digital boarding pass to a December virtual celebration tied to a mystery destination.

Why it matters: - The campaign is designed to fund literature and discussion programs in underserved communities in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. - People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos says the appeal will help support about 32 eight-week programs. - The fundraising goal also helps offset federal arts funding cuts. - The annual appeal runs through GivingTuesday, Dec. 1.

What happened: - People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos launched “Around the World Through Stories — $80,000 in 80 Days,” its 2026 annual appeal. - The Princeton, New Jersey-based organization is asking supporters to help raise $80,000. - The campaign uses an 80-day travel theme built around stories, voices and a hot-air balloon that follows the fundraising journey. - Donors at any level receive a digital “boarding pass” to a virtual celebration in December.

The details: - People & Stories sends trained coordinators into correctional and re-entry settings, recovery programs, treatment facilities, libraries and community centers. - The organization’s sessions pair outstanding literature with guided discussion. - The program’s core idea is that literature belongs to everyone. - Reading stories aloud together is meant to let people with different educational and literacy backgrounds participate fully. - Participants share ideas and experiences, build confidence and feel heard. - A 2026 participant said, “I really enjoy reading again... It’s like taking trips and putting myself in the place of the characters and traveling with them.” - Founder Sarah Hirschman started People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos in 1972. - Hirschman’s original goal was to share her love of literature with people who had not had the same opportunities to read. - Hirschman also emphasized that every person brings knowledge, experience and wisdom to discussion. - The campaign’s December virtual celebration will keep the destination and story secret until the event. - Before the celebration, donors will receive recipes for a cocktail, a mocktail and a holiday treat inspired by the mystery destination. - Supporters can learn more through the campaign page. - People & Stories was recently featured on PBS’ State of the Arts, which visited program sites and captured participants, coordinators and community partners in action. - Additional campaign updates are available on the organization’s LinkedIn page, Instagram account, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Between the lines: - The appeal blends fundraising with a storytelling theme that mirrors the organization’s core program model. - The mystery-destination format adds a donor experience element beyond a standard charity drive. - Executive Director Debra Lampert Rudman said the shared discussion is what makes each literary journey “fuller and richer.” - Board Chair Charley Busuttil said the campaign reflects the group’s belief that literature takes people far, but the work is done together.

What's next: - Supporters can give through Dec. 1. - Donors will be invited to a December virtual gathering once the campaign ends. - The final destination for the celebration will be revealed only at the event.

The bottom line: - People & Stories is using an 80-day, travel-themed appeal to raise money, expand access to guided literature programs and bring donors into the story through a surprise virtual finale.