March Is Reading Month

Judy Krzeminski

The Branch County United Way is pleased to announce the second year for UNITED WE READ. March is Reading Month, and in conjunction with our local schools, and United Ways across the state of Michigan, we are challenging our local businesses to put a volunteer reader in EVERY Preschool through 5th grade classroom on one day. Wednesday, March 5th is a chance for local businesses and individuals to engage in the lives of Branch County’s youngest citizens. Last year’s event featured 173 readers in 17 locations. This year will be even bigger!

At the Branch County United Way, we believe that literacy is the greatest gift we can give the next generation. We know that for every dollar invested in early childhood, our community can expect a $7 return. We also know that a child who is behind in reading in the 4th grade is likely to never catch up, and is 80% more likely to drop out of school. This is your chance to make a change.

We will need over 175 volunteer readers in Coldwater, Quincy, Bronson and Union City on March 5th. Each reading encounter will take no more than an hour of an individual’s time. Readers can pick their favorite book, or read one selected by the classroom teacher. Volunteers will have a great time- elementary kids LOVE having a visitor in their class, and you can expect smiles, thank you’s and maybe even some hugs as payment for your time.

If you want to be a volunteer reader, all you need to do is contact the United Way to sign up! If your workplace wants to get together and volunteer- contact the United Way for a workplace form.

Sincerely,

Judy Krzeminski
Branch County United Way


March Is Reading Month Judy Krzeminski The Branch County United Way is pleased to announce the second year for UNITED WE READ. March is Reading Month, and in conjunction with our local schools, and United Ways across the state of Michigan, we are challenging our local businesses to put a volunteer reader in EVERY Preschool through 5th grade classroom on one day. Wednesday, March 5th is a chance for local businesses and individuals to engage in the lives of Branch County’s youngest citizens. Last year’s event featured 173 readers in 17 locations. This year will be even bigger! At the Branch County United Way, we believe that literacy is the greatest gift we can give the next generation. We know that for every dollar invested in early childhood, our community can expect a $7 return. We also know that a child who is behind in reading in the 4th grade is likely to never catch up, and is 80% more likely to drop out of school. This is your chance to make a change. We will need over 175 volunteer readers in Coldwater, Quincy, Bronson and Union City on March 5th. Each reading encounter will take no more than an hour of an individual’s time. Readers can pick their favorite book, or read one selected by the classroom teacher. Volunteers will have a great time- elementary kids LOVE having a visitor in their class, and you can expect smiles, thank you’s and maybe even some hugs as payment for your time. If you want to be a volunteer reader, all you need to do is contact the United Way to sign up! If your workplace wants to get together and volunteer- contact the United Way for a workplace form. Sincerely, Judy Krzeminski Branch County United Way
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