United Way of Marion County, Let’s Read 20 and other community partners are coming together on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with thousands of others across the country to shine a light on literacy across America.
“Open a Book. Spread the Word. Make an Impact.” This is an initiative that brings the power of volunteers together to impact literacy and reading in our local community. Read Across America is the annual celebration of reading that honors the March 2nd – 112th birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss. This year marks the 19th national Read Across America celebration. The program engages an estimated 45 million educators, parents, and students nationwide with school and community celebrations coast to coast.
“We are excited to have a variety of community partners involved,” said Let’s Read 20 Director Mike Ring. “This event is a starting point for ongoing conversations about literacy with children, parents, volunteers and community members…and that is what Let’s Read 20 is all about.”
A United Way partner agency, Let’s Read 20’s mission is dedicated to building a community of readers by encouraging everyone to read to a child for at least 20 minutes each day from birth through elementary school. Last year alone, Let’s Read 20 distributed over 75,000 books to children throughout Marion County and they are on track to double that amount in 2016. This initiative furthers United Way’s community investment efforts in the areas of Education, Income and Health.
On March 2nd, volunteers will be stationed at Read Across America partner organizations including; all local schools in Marion City and County school districts, Marion Public Health Dept.-WIC, Leapin Ministries, Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, all Marion City School’s-Preschool classrooms.as well as most schools holding Literacy nights this week along with children’s programming at the Marion Public Library and other United Way partner agencies.
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