When United Way of Northern Utah started their Read Across America celebration 3 years ago, their staff and volunteers entered one school. Now, what better 90th birthday present could they have asked for than being invited to NINE schools and over 100 classrooms for a full week of RAA celebrations?! THANK YOU to the 217 volunteers who read to kids ranging from preschool to fifth grade. Because of you, United Way of Northern Utah spread their love of and respect for literacy in the following schools:
- Majestic Elementary (Weber School District)
- Odyssey Elementary (Ogden School District)
- Promontory Elementary (Box Elder School District)
- Bonneville Elementary (Ogden School District)
- Willard Elementary (Box Elder School District)
- Lake View Elementary (Box Elder School District)
- Saint Joseph's Catholic Elementary (private)
- Wasatch Elementary (Ogden School District)
- Green Acres Elementary (Weber School District)
What an incredible RAA week! But...
As exciting as a one-day reading event is, UWNU emphasizes how important literacy is always, around the clock. In fact, Read Across America was founded by the National Education Association as a year-round program that "focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone," according to nea.org.
United Way of Northern Utah continuously supports literacy awareness in Northern Utah through the annual Book Drive that runs concurrently with the Read Across America volunteer event. To participate in the book drive, you can drop physical books off at the UWNU office or browse through the online catalog and buy most-requested books.
UWNU's Little Neighborhood Libraries initiative is another way the organization supports and celebrates literacy year-round. There are over 20 little libraries around Northern Utah that are kept stocked with books for kids K-12. The little libraries' books are free to take and keep, or for people to leave books if they want.
Thank you again for the amazing 90th birthday present: a successful and wide-reaching Read Across America week. United Way of Northern Utah now encourages you to celebrate literacy year-round!
"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world." ~Malala Yousafzi
