United Way of Lake County Celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday at McCall Elementary School in Waukegan
United Way of Lake County Celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday at McCall Elementary School in Waukegan.
Volunteers read to nearly 300 students in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
Waukegan, IL (March 10, 2017): United Way of Lake County organized a special reading day at McCall Elementary School in honor of Read Across America Day, a nationwide reading celebration that takes place on the birthday of the beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. This initiative is an extension of United Way's education program - Reading Success, geared to help elementary-age students develop strong reading and comprehension skills, so they can be on track to succeed in school.
Volunteers from the Lake County community participated in the event and read to nearly 300 preschool through 3rd grade children. George H McCaskey, Chairman of Chicago Bears, Ahmad Merritt, Alumni player of Chicago Bears, and volunteers from companies, such as Abbott, AbbVie, Campanella and Sons, First Midwest Bank, Lundbeck LLC, P&G, POP Healthcare, Snap-On Credit and VW Credit came forward to support United Way of Lake County to promote early literacy in the Waukegan Public School District where 54.8% of children come from low-income families, 31.6% have limited English proficiency, and over 50% of 3rd graders cannot read at grade level (*Illinois Report Card).
"Without good reading skills I never would have been able to participate in a long career as a scientist. I participate with United Way's reading program for children because I think it is important for every child to learn reading skills and to gain enjoyment from reading. If I can help in the effort to encourage children in our community to learn to read then I think I will have donated something truly useful to them," share Jim Stolzenbach, volunteer reader.
Over the years, United Way of Lake County has established a strong partnership with McCall Elementary School in Waukegan. "Our partnership with United Way has a positive impact on many of our students. Students need to understand how learning in the classroom connects to the real world. Seeing professionals inspire students to meet their future goals is the best thing for the child," adds Carol May, Principal of McCall Elementary School in Waukegan.
"This event is a special opportunity to expose children to the importance of reading, shares Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County. "We applaud and appreciate each volunteer involved. Their magnitude of commitment and tenacity to contribute to our literacy programs demonstrate that the momentum for early literacy will continue to grow in Lake County."
In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, we are asking for your support of our Reading Success Program. Visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/drseuss to donate $10 to help build a child's personal library at home. To view photos from this event, follow this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uwlakeco/albums/72157677821152263.
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About United Way of Lake County:
United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is preparing our children to succeed in a changing world by focusing on education and building safe and stable families. Working with nonprofit agencies and community partners, we have identified four key programs to prepare children to succeed: Success By 6 Program - prepare for kindergarten; Reading Success Program - read at grade level; Stay in School Program - graduate high school; Safe and Stable Families Program - empowering families. UWLC is overcoming reading and educational barriers by reaching children, from preschool through high school, through these key programs. The overall effect and benefits are multiplied by the strong collaboration with agencies and our community partners. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.