Article published by Omaha Star
On June 21 more than 400 volunteers are partnering with United Way of the Midlands (UWM) during the 4th annual Day of Action to reinforce the importance of summer reading with approximately 575 children in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
When the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle, not only with basic needs like healthy food, but also to continue their learning. They often experience summer learning loss, or “summer slide,” because they may not have age-appropriate books at home or access to out-of-school learning programs.
In support of year -long literacy, Day of Action volunteers will act as “reading buddies” for children at number of UWM’s partner agencies and two corporate locations. Each child will receive literacy kit, provided by Sojem, which includes three books per child, reading activities and information about summer reading programs.
There are still volunteer opportunities available. Companies and other organizations interested in this team building volunteer event can visit www.unitedwaymidlands.org/dayofaction for more information.