RACINE, Wis. — The Cops 'n Kids Reading Center in Racine aims to help young children build reading skills early.

The program was created by Julia M. Witherspoon. The former Racine police officer was known for handing out books to kids from her squad car. She took it a step farther by starting Cops 'n Kids in 1998.

Witherspoon said her mission started with her own love for books as a child.

“I loved to read,” said Witherspoon. “I was in a purple reading group when I was in kindergarten. But when I went home, because I was the oldest of 12 other brothers and sisters, reading stopped for me when I left for school. We didn’t even have a telephone book to read at our house.”

Her childhood experience and eventual work in law enforcement also prompted Witherspoon’s desire to build trust between kids in underserved neighborhoods and police officers.

“Underneath those police clothes, we are moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, someone’s children, so I wanted them to see us under an entirely different light,” said Witherspoon. “I want them to see that uniform and love it. I want them to connect it with education, knowing they have police to protect them and teachers to teach them all their lives.”

Nearly 30 years after starting Cops 'n Kids in Racine, there are more than 115 reading centers worldwide. At each location, law enforcement officers show up to read to children and interact with them.

We caught up with Deputy Chief Adam Malacara reading to kids at the Racine Cops 'n Kids Reading Center. He said he loves this program and acknowledged it wouldn’t be what it is without Witherspoon.

“Every community needs someone like her, that cares and has the passion that she does,” said Malacara. “Not just for the children, but the neighborhoods and the relationships that are built between law enforcement and those communities. Obviously, what comes out of this program is more than just those relationships. These kids are learning to read before they even start first grade.”

Witherspoon has gotten national recognition for her work, but she shies away from the praise. She said she credits the loyal people who donate time and money to Cops 'n Kids. One notable donor over the years was Oprah Winfrey.

“I’ve been on the Oprah Show three times,” said Witherspoon. “I am actually one of Oprah’s Angels, and she adopted this program and donated $100,000.”

While the accolades are appreciated, Witherspoon said the best part is working with kids every day and helping them build a strong foundation. She said she is committed to setting them up for success and believes in their bright futures.

“Spreading literacy to our children, it is the key to their success. Literacy keeps our children out of trouble,” said Witherspoon.