Women United Host Read Across America Day
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2018
Contact:
Danielle Peterson
President/CEO
United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States
Danielle.peterson@dbqunitedway.org
563-588-1415
Women United Host Area Read Across America Day
DUBUQUE, Iowa – United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States (UWDATS)’s affinity group, Women United, holds the importance of literacy at it’s core. This year on National Read Across America Day, March 2nd, Women United is taking this effort to a new level. Celebrity readers and community volunteers will be reading to over 1,200 students in 9 schools across Dubuque. Read Across America Day is held in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’s Birthday so readers will be having fun with the students, reading “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?”
“Research demonstrates that children’s exposure to increased literacy opportunities not only helps to increase proficiencies, but it also creates numerous chances for positive engagement with a parent, teacher, mentor, and more,” stated Danielle Peterson, President and CEO of United Way. “We are so pleased to have a Women United group that supports numerous initiatives in the community, including many related to increasing literacy.”
Women United also operates the Sprout Into Reading program that distributed 3,200 books to children in need through area partners last year and purchased nine Little Free Libraries that hold books for children up to age 12. Judy Wolf, co-chair of Women United, shared, “We hope to continue to grow this Read Across America event to cover more of United Way’s 10 county coverage area in future years so that even more youth can have a great reading experience with an engaged community volunteer.” To learn more about Women United’s initiatives or becoming a member, please contact UWDATS.
“You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.” - Dr. Seuss
United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States connects people and resources to advance the health, education and income of those in need in our community. The organization brings individuals and other groups together around innovative solutions to impact thousands of lives annually.