(News release) – United Way is calling for volunteers to read with children this summer and for books to be given to elementary children through United Way Reading Adventure, a program of United Way Profit In Education.

To connect children with a reading volunteer during the summer, United Way will partner with the following programs: 1) YMCA school-age summer childcare program; 2) City of St. Joseph REC Center school-age childcare program; 3) KinderCare summer childcare program; 4) Best Youth Summer Camp and 4) the St. Joseph School District extended summer program at Parkway, Lake Contrary, Lindbergh, Humboldt and Edison elementary schools. Each program is held at a different time, and volunteers are needed from May through July to read with students. Volunteers will read with students for 45-60 minutes at a time, and volunteers can sign up to read once, a few times or on a regular schedule. Students in the United Way Reading Adventure program will also receive books throughout the summer to encourage reading at home, so new and gently used books for children ages 6-12 are needed as well.

Launched in 2011, United Way Reading Adventure works to help students maintain their reading skills over the summer months when school is out. The program follows a model that has been successfully used by HOPE Outreach Ministries, Inc. for many years.

Individuals and organizations interested in volunteering to read, donating books or conducting a book drive can contact Jodi Bloemker at 364-2381 or [email protected].