Partners host special day for literacy
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A special literacy initiative took place at several area schools last month to help promote the importance of reading, and to provide each child with a book. The United Way of Northern Chautauqua County worked with the Northern Chautauqua Young Professionals and AG Team to make the special event possible. Volunteers were recruited by the Young Professionals and United Way represented several local companies including the AG Team, M&T Bank, Lawley Insurance, Cattaraugus County Bank, Westfield YWCA, Junior Achievement of WNY, The Chautauqua County IDA, Prevention Works, The Chautauqua Center, Putnam Record Insurance Agency, and the Leikam-Kenline Group. Also joining the effort were representatives from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's office and Dunkirk Police Department.
These volunteers discussed the importance of reading, and the need to practice reading on a daily basis. Each volunteer read a story to the class they were visiting and passed books out to each child in their classrooms. Visits were completed at the Wheelock Early Childhood Development Center, Ripley Elementary School, and all of the Dunkirk Schools. Over 1,000 students were reached because of the volunteers' efforts.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, students who are reading at grade level by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate than their peers who are not reading proficiently.
A cornerstone to achieving literacy goals is the belief that reading fundamentals begin at home and if children have access to a book, then they are more likely to read with their family.
Executive Director Adam Dolce commented that, "We recognize that reading is the foundation upon which an education is built. We encouraged the kids that we spoke with to make sure they read every single night. It really is so important that everyone makes time to ensure that literacy and reading is a part of the nightly routine. I need to give a special thanks to AG Team who once again stepped up to provide an enormous benefit to our community. All of the books given to students in grades 2-5 were purchased through a generous gift given by them."
United Way strives to empower our community through improving education, health, and financial stability outcomes. This is only possible through the collective effort of the community that they serve. To volunteer, give or get involved with the United Way you can reach out via www.unitedwayncc.org, Facebook, or by calling 716-366-5424.