More than 60 local professionals are volunteering across the community this morning as part of United Way’s Day of Caring. These volunteers, part of the United Way Loaned Executive Program will be at four different United Way partner agencies, promoting the importance of literacy with the children.
"United Way Day of Caring is such an encouraging event for the Loaned Executives and agencies," said Seth Schulz with PlainsCapital Bank. Schulz is the 2017 Loaned Executive Program Chair.
"This is by far my favorite event in the Loaned Executive program and I am grateful to have been involved with it for the last five years. Our hope is we inspire and educate on the importance literacy is at this stage in their lives."
It has been proven that the more books a child has in the home, the more prepared they will be to start and be successful in school. Key to encouraging literacy is also showing that reading is fun, which was the goal of today’s volunteers.
At the Early Learning Centers of Lubbock, a group of 3 to 4 year olds will read the book “Super Bugs” and get to see and touch a real fire truck. At the YWCA of Lubbock’s Sun ‘n Fun Center, a group of 8 to 9 year olds will read the book “A Bad Case of Stripes” and learn about friendship and social skills. At the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Center, 7 to 10 year olds will read the book “The Math Curse” and play games involving math and banking. At the Jay Gordon Room, parents from Literacy Lubbock and the Parenting Cottage can bring their children under the age of 5 to read a book about Johnny Appleseed and participate in activities about planting and growing things.
“Day of Caring is always one of the most fun days of the summer for our campers," said Kelsey Johnson. Johnson is on staff at the YWCA and is also a Loaned Executive. "The kids love having guests join them to do something a little different than their normal every day routine."
"As a Loaned Executive for multiple years now, Day of Caring is definitely my favorite part about the overall experience. It gives you an inside look into the agency you are volunteering with and you begin to understand exactly how the dollars you raise get put to work."
Loaned Executives are individuals "loaned" by their employer to work with United Way on a part-time basis assisting other companies with their United Way workplace campaigns. Each year they participate in a Day of Caring project and have volunteered at many United Way agencies in past years. Hundreds of volunteers have come through the Loaned Executive Program since its inception.
Lubbock Area United Way funds programs at 23 local Community Partner Agencies. These programs work daily to assist people in Lubbock and surrounding communities with needs such as affordable quality child care, parenting education, crisis situations, adult literacy, job training, and youth mentoring. Click here for a complete list of the Community Partners.