NEWS

Local groups join Read Across the Globe

Submitted

MARION — United Way of Marion County, Let’s Read 20 and other community partners will come together on Monday, Oct. 19 with thousands of others to shine a light on literacy across the world.

“Open a Book. Spread the Word. Make an Impact. This is an initiative that brings the power of volunteers together to impact literacy in our community. Read Across the Globe is about more than just a one-day event. Read Across the Globe will give children an experience that cultivates positive reading habits and inspires civic participation in communities worldwide,” a news release states.

“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.

So far this year, Let’s Read 20 has distributed more than 56,000 books to children throughout Marion County. This initiative furthers United Way’s community investment efforts in the areas of Education, Income and Health.

Next Monday, volunteers will be stationed at Read Across the Globe partner organizations including; Boys & Girls Club, Center Street Clinic, Marion County Children Services, Marion Public Library, Marion Shelter Program, Rushmore Academy, Turning Point, and George Washington, McKinley and Garfield Elementary schools.

If you are interested in volunteering contact Natalie Longmeire at the United Way office at 740-383-3108 or by e-mail at natalie@unitedwaymarion.org.