Sponsors, Volunteers Power Reading Program
See WIBW's coverage of the JLR sponsorship check presentation at WIBW.com.
A long-time sponsor of our Junior Leader Reader program (JLR) doubled their donation this year! The Security Benefit Foundation gifted $2,000 to Junior Leader Reader just when we thought we might have to cut back the number of participating schools or reduce the number of times we go out to read this year. The reader program brings volunteers to preschool and kindergarten classrooms three times a year to read a book to the kids, but after that, each student gets to take home a copy of the book. UWKV's Young Leaders Society created and manages the early literacy program.
Kim Gronniger, corporate communications manager for Security Benefit and the chair of the Charitable Trust, said in an interview with WIBW that Security Benefit had sponsored the program for many years and mentioned the importance of literacy among young students, noting the value of preparing kids for the future. “This particular program focuses on literacy, which is a core area of emphasis for us,” said Gronniger. “We support the United Way and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library with some of our associate contributions, and literacy is just obviously very important in preparing the workforce that we are going to hire someday.”
The cost of the early-reader books, which United Way typically gets at a discount from Scholastic, has tripled in the past several years. The group's steering committee was on the verge of making the tough decision to cut back when they got the boost from Security Benefit. It will still be a challenge to keep the program going if the group cannot find additional sponsors, but for now, the Fall reading is on at full strength.
It's not to late to volunteer for this round of reading either! You can check out all the available slots on TopekaVolunteers.org. United Way provides the books and a parent letter in English and Spanish. All you have to do is pick up the books before your reading appointment, head off to school, and enjoy a quick read with some undoubtedly enthusiastic youngsters.