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Local kids will join with millions of kids around the country in celebrating the 18th year of this event from the National Education Association.
"In 2015, we kicked off our participation in NEA's Read Across America Day," said Melissa Clark, manager of Community Mobilization at United Way. "It was an amazing experience to see everyone, including county executives, United Way board members and community volunteers read to more than 350 local children."
Jeannie Montano, president and CEO of the local United Way, said, "We can't wait until Wednesday's event, when County Executives Marcus Molinaro and Steven Neuhaus, as well as Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison and Superintendent Dr. Nicole Williams, will join the United Way board, council members and volunteers to read to children at 10 different area locations."
Families are invited to readings at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, at 75 North Water St., in Poughkeepsie, at 10 a.m. noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. "Read Across America Day events are included with museum admission and are geared for children up to 6 years old," said Peter Jacobsen, the museum's director of education.
The local United Way will also partner with other nonprofits, coordinating readings at nine other locations in Dutchess and Orange Counties.
"One of our three impact areas is education," said Kimberly Kochem, vice president of Community Impact at United Way. "Together, with our nonprofit partners' help, our goal is to provide supplemental classroom learning."
United Way also provides books to those partners. On Feb. 19's United Way Day of Sharing, representatives from area nonprofits chose gently used books to distribute to young readers. The books at United Way included thousands donated last summer by Girls on the Run Hudson Valley, as well as hundreds from a recent Book Blitz Drive.
For more information on the day, click here or here.
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