Day of Literacy for Local Kids

Posted: Oct 2, 2009 12:47 PM by Veronica White
Updated: Oct 2, 2009 12:47 PM

Early learning: that is what United Way of Acadiana promotes through their Day of Literacy. Thursday morning 100 volunteers came out to Head Start locations in Lafayette, Acadia, Vermillion, and St. Martin parishes.

They read "The Little Engine That Could" to more than 1,100 children. The Read United crew spent their day promoting reading because they say it is never too soon to start.

"The pictures will define the words you're reading to the children, so that's important... just by looking at the pictures, they're reading," said volunteer Denika Walker.

Many of the volunteers, like Denika, are UL students hoping to make a difference.

"I'm hoping I can transfer my interest in books to these kids," said volunteer and UL student Jesse Reaux.

Afterwards, they talked to the kids about reading and about the book, and gave the center copies to keep.

Topics: literacy, united way, head start, reading, acadiana, lafayette, acadia, vermillion, st. martin parish, children, early literacy, learning