Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Read aloud to your children, and when they are ready for books of their own, give a book to a child, or support local programs that do. Today we salute …
Stay informed about your community and support local independent journalism.
Subscribe to The River Reporter today. click here
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Read aloud to your children, and when they are ready for books of their own, give a book to a child, or support local programs that do. Today we salute these volunteer organizations in our area for the fine work they do promoting literacy by introducing reading and book ownership to the youngest of our region’s future citizens. Even in the digital age of e-books, it is vitally important for young children to read aloud and to be read to, and to have the opportunity to possess their very own books.
According to the national non-profit organization First Book, “A rich supply of books improves reading performance regardless of a child’s economic status or even the parents’ literacy levels. But the disparity in reading scores between low-income children and children of means remains a stubborn gulf. Over 84% of low-income children are ‘below proficient’ in reading by fourth grade. The need is enormous. More than 45% of U.S. children—over 32 million—live in low-income households. And, in the poorest communities, there is only one book for every 300 children.”
On Tuesday this week, Literacy Partners of Sullivan West (LPSW) distributed books at the Sullivan West Elementary School, located in Jeffersonville, NY. Around 600 children from pre-K to sixth grade got to choose a book to own and take home and to share with members of their families. Thanks to volunteers at LPSW and their partners, like the local Kiwanis clubs, books are distributed twice a year at this elementary school.
Recently we at The River Reporter received a post card from the Literacy Partners of Sullivan West. Maybe you did, too. The card explains that “no money is received from the school district or government agencies, so your donation of any amount is needed to put books into the hands of our children.” This is the crux of the matter: this valuable program is run completely by volunteers and is totally dependent on donations and sponsorships from both individuals and businesses. On Election Day, November 4, LPSW will hold a Soup Supper (20 to 30 kinds of soup) to raise money for this project. It will be held at the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost of soup is $7 for eating in or taking out.
Across the Delaware River in Wayne County, PA another group of volunteers works with First Book to purchase discounted books for distribution through a number of outlets to reach youngsters whose families may not be able to afford books. These include families enrolled in the Women Infants and Children program, the county’s Behavioral Development and Early Intervention program, and to youngsters in three school districts—Delaware Valley, Wallenpaupack and Wayne Highlands—under the federal Title I education program that provides financial assistance to local educational agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families. In 2013, this local Team First Book effort distributed more than 8,000 books to young children. Unfortunately, recent changes in how First Book works with local volunteer groups has led to uncertainty in whether this local First Book team will be able to continue the program. (The group hopes to make their decision by the end of October.)
Volunteers with both of these programs report that children, especially the youngest, are often awestruck when they receive the gift of a book. “Is it mine to keep? Can I take it home?” Such moments are moving for the volunteers, knowing that this simple first step can contribute to making a life-long difference for that child.
Another event worth mentioning is a free book swap event for young and old alike, with hundreds of free books for children included. Even if you can’t bring a book to swap, you can take books home. This event will be held on November 15 in Hawley at the PPL Environmental Learning Center, 226 PPL Dr., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (contact: pplpreserves@pplweb.com or call 570/253-7001 for information).
Children who read succeed in school. They develop a love of reading that supports life-long learning.
Of all of the world’s problems, this is an easy one to fix. Read to a child. Take advantage of free book distribution programs. Volunteer with these programs. Donate to these programs. Support your local children’s library.
We believe that any of these reading programs are an investment not only in children, but also in the future of our community.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here