In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday March 2nd, and in part of the National Education Association’s program, United Way participated in Read Across America Day.  This program motivates children to read.  United Way staff and volunteers read to children in several local area schools on March 2nd and 4th to celebrate this occasion.

Education is part of United Way’s basic core priority areas to encourage long-term school success.  Read Across America, now in its 17th year and sponsored by NEA and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day.

United Way recruited volunteers to read to children in our local area schools.  Participating schools were South Columbus Downtown and Johnson Elementary Schools in Columbus.  Also included were: Mt. Olive Primary, Ft. Mitchell; Mt. Olive Intermediate, Ft. Mitchell; Dixie Elementary, Russell County; Oliver Elementary, Seale; Meadowlane Elementary, Phenix City; and Phenix City Elementary, Phenix City.

Our community came together and made this event a wonderful success.  The Literacy Alliance in Columbus donated 106 books and with the support from local companies, United Way had an abundant amount of volunteers spend an hour reading to elementary classrooms.  Participating volunteers came from diverse companies such as, Columbus Water Works, Gentle Dentistry, Georgia Power, Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, J.P. Thayer Properties, Phenix City Fire & Police Departments, Liberty Utilities, Phenix City Library, Phenix City Fire & Police Departments, Russell County Sherriff`s Office, Snyder’s-Lance, The Citizen Newspaper, Stewart Community Home, Target, Troy University, TSYS, and United Way’s Home for Good.

Overall 72 volunteers read to 97 classrooms. Scott Ferguson, CEO & President of United Way visited schools dressed as “Cat and the Hat”.  Children were delighted to see this character come to life.  The children asked in amazement “where is Thing One and Thing Two?”  Teachers were appreciative of the time spent in each classroom. Many mentioned gratitude and were looking forward to celebrating this event next year.