Literacy Point of Light: Robby Kaffle

Meet Robby Kaffle, an IT Advisory for Hess Corporation and a Literacy Point of Light. Robby has worked for Hess for over 5 years and has volunteered with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation through the company’s longstanding partnership in boosting literacy rates among children in Greater Second and Third Wards. We spoke with Robby at a recent volunteer event about his experience.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation for doing this noble cause and also for Hess for providing me the opportunity to help the Foundation make a difference.”

Robby developed his love for reading from a young age. Unable to afford his own books, Robby would copy books from friends. This is what developed Robby’s understanding of how important literacy is. Robby wanted to get involved with volunteer programs that reflected his passion for literacy and granting kids access to books.

“It’s a very touching subject. I grew up not having a lot of books to read and having to make copies of books from friends. So, getting to volunteer and have books go to underprivileged kids who read and are becoming literate is very fulfilling.”

Robby has two children who are the driving motivation behind his volunteering. The younger of his kids loves reading books at bedtime. His older son is a more avid reader, enjoying bulky chapter books like the Harry Potter series. It’s clear that reading has become a connecting force among Robby and his children.

“What motivates me is my kids. Doing this for the kids is what motivates me. My son is 8 and every time I come here and see the books, I go home and tell him about the different books and the titles and show him the pictures. My kid is very proud that I’m helping kids that don’t have as many books as we do at home.”

Robby hopes that his volunteer work will help inspire others to get involved and more importantly, inspire children not to give up on their literacy journey. Robby’s message for children was encouraging.

“Please don’t give up. If you don’t have it (books) there are organizations like the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation that will help make books available to you and help you on your literacy journey.”

Thank you to Robby Kaffle and Hess for contributing to the Barbara Bush Legacy of improving lives through the power of literacy! We are honored to feature Robby Kaffle as our Literacy Point of Light.