Our Story

Our Story

Aloha. My name is Carol, and I launched the Wally Amos Literacy Foundation in loving memory of my husband, Wally Amos. While many knew him as the creator of Famous Amos Cookies, Wally’s true passion—and the work that brought him the most joy—was promoting literacy. For nearly 40 years, he dedicated his life to helping others learn to read, believing that books had the power to change lives. He often spent his days reading to local youth here in Honolulu, igniting imaginations and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

Wally’s mission continues through this foundation, and his words continue to guide us. His belief in the power of literacy is more than a quote—it’s a call to action that inspires everything we do.

In our beautiful home of Honolulu and across Hawaii, far too many families are facing the dual challenges of houselessness and limited access to educational resources. When stability is uncertain, literacy often becomes an overlooked need—yet it is the key to long-term opportunity. Without reading skills, keiki (children) fall behind in school, and adults struggle to support their ‘ohana (family) or pursue meaningful work.

That’s why we are launching the Wally Wally Bookmobile—a mobile outreach effort that brings books, learning tools, and hope directly to underserved communities across Oahu. From keiki (children) to kupuna (elders), this bookmobile will serve people of all ages, helping them build confidence, develop essential skills, and imagine a brighter future.

The Wally Amos Literacy Foundation is a federally recognized nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Your support makes our work possible. Every donation helps us stock the Wally Wally Bookmobile with high-quality books, fuel its mission, and expand our other literacy and family engagement programs that strengthen communities across Hawaii.

Join us in honoring Wally’s legacy—one book, one reader, one community at a time.

Donate today and help us continue the work he loved most.

“The only way we are ever going to get rid of the problem of adult illiteracy is to create a generation of young readers.”

– Wally Amos