CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – As part of United Way’s annual Day of Action, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and the City of Clarksville partnered to host a summer book drive.
The joint initiative supported efforts to help prevent an educational phenomenon known as the “summer slide” – a critical loss of learning during the summer months due to limited access to age appropriate books.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, nearly 1,500 books were donated and distributed to local youth during the Mayor’s Summer Night Lights program on June 22nd. With books available for children ages birth – teens, many in attendance left with arm loads of summer reading.
“Not only are we thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity, it is even more rewarding to see how excited kids still are about reading in today’s techo society. With eager faces, many shared with us how much they loved to read and were happy to have the same books in their homes as they have been reading in school. Bravo to our local schools and families for instilling this valuable learning tool and special thanks to each who donated to this successful outreach project. Because of such an overwhelming response, we were able to provide books to hundreds of youth who may not have had any over the summer,” said Ginna Holleman, local United Way CEO.
As access to healthy foods and safe environments can also become less available during the summer, the Summer Night Lights event provides numerous recreational activities and a free meal by Manna Café Ministries. Since its inception four years ago, the program strives to create a fun and positive atmosphere for youth and teens during summer months.
Through local collaborations and the work of its partner programs, United Way of the Greater Clarksville fights for the education, health and financial stability of citizens in Montgomery, Stewart and Houston counties. For more information, visit www.liveunitedclarksville.org or call (931) 647-4291.
