On Tuesday, Oct. 29, United Way of the River Cities will once again host its biggest volunteer-driven effort of the year with Read Across the River Cities.
This year will be the third annual Read Across the River Cities in which volunteers will read in every third-grade classroom across UWRC’s six-county service area of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason and Wayne counties in West Virginia and Gallia and Lawrence counties in Ohio.
The book selection is the classic Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. In addition to experiencing volunteer readers in their classrooms, each student will receive their own copy of the book to take home. Last year, more than 300 volunteers read to nearly 2,500 students in 137 third-grade classrooms.
“Read Across the River Cities is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jedd Flowers, UWRC’s executive director. “Over the past two years, thousands of third graders have experienced the presence of caring volunteers in their classrooms in hopes of promoting a love of reading. We think our volunteers have gotten just as much enjoyment out of the experience, and we hope to see many returning readers this year!”
Reading times are at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., depending on the school, and the time commitment is estimated to be around an hour. UWRC will also provide a virtual orientation to prep volunteers on what to expect and tips on reading aloud to young children.
“We are so excited to work together with community volunteers and schools to promote a culture that values reading,” said Lena Burdette, UWRC’s director of education. “Reading aloud to students models fluent reading, builds knowledge and vocabulary. Students can hear and discuss new words. It also improves listening comprehension. In addition, this event help make a connection between schools and community members.
Individuals, organizations or companies interested in volunteering can visit unitedwevolunteer.org to see lists of schools by county and to sign up. Volunteers will also receive a free t-shirt to wear the day of the event.
Read Across the River Cities is sponsored by the Arthur & Joan Weisberg Family Foundation.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sarah Short, director of resource development at sarah.short@unitedwayrivercities.org or 304-523-8929.
