Make a Difference. Be a ReadingPal.

The future of Central Florida rests on our people, especially the next generation. Are we doing everything we can to make sure our kids grow up to be productive adults who can give back & strengthen our community? One place we can make a real difference is getting kids off to a good start in school. Like anything else, reading is easier to get right from the start. That's why we need your help! Please join us as a ReadingPal and make a difference in our community.

ReadingPals is about to begin our second year. We are seeking diverse volunteer ReadingPals interested in helping kindergarten children discover the joy of reading and develop skills that will enable them to succeed in school. ReadingPals are asked to volunteer for one hour, one day a week, from September to May. Schools are filling up quickly, but we particularly need ReadingPals in Haines City, Mulberry, North Lakeland, and Lake Wales. We also need volunteers in Highlands County.

To make sure that all of our volunteers are providing the best learning experience possible, ReadingPals are requred to attend a two hour training session prior to entering the classroom.

The training dates are:

• August 21 - Highlands County District Office, 12:30-2:30pm
• August 22 - Spook Hill Elementary, 8:30-10:30am
• August 23 - Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary, 8:30-10:30am
• August 26 - Blake Academy, 8:30-10:30am
• August 27 - United Way of Central Florida's Executive Board Room, 5:30-7:30pm
• August 28 - Gibbons Street Elementary. 8:30-10:30am

For more information or to become a ReadingPal, please contact Hope Bogel at hope.bogel@uwcf.org. For Highlands County volunteers, please contact Kristin Handley at kristin.handley@uwcf.org.