Project R.E.A.D.
(Read, Enjoy, Achieve, Develop)
Through innovative and creative thinking, our READ program has come up with collaborative projects to put this philanthropy back on the active schedule to serve students.
During national Action Week (Feb 22-26), the READ Team worked with Operation School Bell, Salem Public Library, Auxiliary and Hospitality to serve children and families in celebration of founder Anne Banning’s birthday. The project provided healthy snacks, new books and school supplies to students and families attending the Cornerstone Apartments Learning Center. It was a fun opportunity to work together and serve others.
On March 4, three teams of AL volunteers and the READ Team gathered at the Gift Shop to fill book bags provided by the Salem Public Library in a project called “BOOKS 4 KIDS”. The library had received a grant to purchase books through the Scholastic company with the stipulation that the books would be given away.
AL members assembled age-appropriate books, bookmarks, library information and activity books into bright blue bags meant for students from Head Start through Grade 5. OSB volunteers will deliver these bags to schools for those students who use OSB services. These filled bags will be distributed through the end of the school year.
The READ Team hopes to assist the library with their deliveries in the future and hopes to resume in-school visits with Jessica Marie, the library’s Youth Services Director.
Where there is a will to get things accomplished, there is a way!