For more information, contact:
Kristin Calder
(561) 279-9103
E-mail: kcalder@literacypbc.org
Literacy Coalition to Kick Off ReaderCorps during Florida Literacy Week
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., Jan. 19, 2017 – The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is launching a program aimed at young readers who want to give back to the community. The mission of ReaderCorps is to provide meaningful service opportunities for children and teens that make them excited about reading while supporting literacy in Palm Beach County.
ReaderCorps will officially kick off on Monday, January 23, the start of Florida Literacy Week, with celebration of reading events at:
- Barnes & Noble, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton – January 23
- Barnes & Noble, Legacy Place, Palm Beach Gardens – January 24
- Barnes & Noble, Boynton Commons, Boynton Beach – January 25
ReaderCorps opportunities will include organizing a book drive, reading to younger children and participating in a read-a-thon. Kits that provide step-by-step directions for all opportunities will be available online at www.LiteracyPBC.org. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade – whether attending a public school, charter school, private school, or being home-schooled – can be a member of ReaderCorps. Students can also serve as leaders in the campaign as a ReaderCorps Ambassador.
“We often get calls from parents asking how their children can get involved in community service projects that support literacy,” said Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. “ReaderCorps is our response to those inquiries. It not only helps youth earn community service hours, it fuels their excitement about reading.”
Students will register their progress online for a chance to win prizes and be recognized at the finale event the week of April 24 with a recognition ceremony at the Literacy Coalition’s Blume Literacy Center in Boynton Beach. The Coalition will honor the individuals, schools and sponsors who have embraced the true spirit of the campaign and helped to make Palm Beach County a community that values literacy.
For more information about the youth engagement campaign and events, visit www.LiteracyPBC.org, or call 561-279-9103.
About the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
A recipient of the coveted 4-star Charity Navigator rating for eight consecutive years, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County works to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. One in seven adults in our county is unable to read and understand information found in books, newspapers and manuals and nearly half of all third graders are not reading on grade level. Through extensive outreach and collaboration with a network of community partners, the Literacy Coalition strives to ensure that individuals who need to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need. By providing services to more than 27,000 adults, children and families each year, the Literacy Coalition’s goal is for every child and every adult in Palm Beach County to be able to read.
