United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley participated in its second year of Read Across America Day, a national initiative sponsored by the National Education Association and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, on Wednesday, March 1st and Thursday, March 2nd. Nearly 150 volunteers from 20 local companies read to Pre-Kindergarteners – 2nd graders in 21 local schools.
 
Education is one of four United Way priority areas. The Literacy Alliance in Columbus donated 270 books to support the effort.
 
Now in its 20th year nationwide, Read Across America Day celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2nd) and teaches children the importance of reading every day.
 
Schools visited were Chattahoochee County Education Center, Muscogee County School District’s Davis Elementary School, Dawson Elementary School, Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy, Dorothy Height Elementary School, Forrest Road Elementary School, Fox Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, Lonnie Jackson Academy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Elementary School, South Columbus Elementary School; Phenix City Publix School’s Meadowlane Elementary School, Phenix City Elementary School, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Sherwood Elementary School, Westview Elementary School; and Russell County School District’s Dixie Elementary School, Ladonia Elementary School, Mt. Olive Primary School, and Oliver Elementary School.
 
Volunteers from Aflac, Alabama Power, Cable TV of East Alabama*, Columbus Bank and Trust, Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, Columbus Water Works, Eastman Kodak, Georgia Power, Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, Housing Authority of Phenix City, Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, J.P. Thayer Company, Liberty Utilities, Pastoral Institute, Phenix City Fire Department,  Phenix City Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Snyder’s-Lance, Troy University, TSYS, and UPS Freight participated in the initiative this year.
 
Scott Ferguson, CEO & President of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, visited two schools dressed as the Dr. Seuss character, Cat and the Hat. “One of our main focus points in the area of education is promoting literacy at a young age,” said Ferguson. “Read Across America Day encourages children to read and gives volunteers a chance to interact with kids and teachers,” he added.