Volunteers needed for United Way ReadingPals program

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is recruiting volunteers for the United Way ReadingPals program to read with PreK to 2nd graders at 12 school sites in Lee County.

ReadingPals offers volunteers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young children while helping them improve their social-emotional development and early literacy skills, according to a press release from the United Way.

The program provides mentors to positively influence students’ understanding of the fundamental building blocks of reading.

Children who are read to are more likely to become good readers. Children who read at grade level by the third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school.

Volunteers commit to one hour a week during the week and throughout the school year.

A short training will provide all the necessary tools and materials.

Volunteers are needed at the following participating sites: Bonita Springs Elementary, Colonial Elementary, Edgewood Academy, Franklin Park Elementary, J. Colin English Elementary, New Horizons Estero, Pinewoods Elementary, Villas Elementary, and all Lee Health Medical Child Development Centers – Cape, Gulf Coast, HealthPark and Lee.

To learn more, contact Nancy Coker at NancyC@UnitedWayLee.org or 239-433-7544. To register, go to UnitedWayLee.org/readingpals/