FSK LIONS PRESENT LITERACY MATERIALS TO LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

 

Lions Clubs International’s theme since July 2012 has been “In A World of Service.”  One of the areas on which local Lions Clubs were urged to focus was increasing literacy in their communities through the Reading Action Program initiative.  Clubs were urged to perform some type of literacy project, the type of project being determined by local needs.  The ability to read affects a person’s abilities to seek and retain employment, obtain medical treatment, use technology … every facet of everyday life.

 

The Francis Scott Key Lions Club decided to conduct a drive to collect age-appropriate children’s books, games, and puzzles for elementary school-age children.  Younger children were selected as the focus to instill a love a books at an early age to help them be more successful as they grow.  The drive ran for almost three weeks in March 2013.  The three dropoff locations were publicized through newspapers, television, radio, club website, social media, and through contacts with other local organizations.  Monetary donations were accepted through the club’s P. O. Box.

 

Materials and monies collected were presented to the schools at a club meeting in April.  Katherine Swire and DeVeda Coley, principals of Hillcrest and North Frederick Elementary Schools, accepted the donations on behalf of their students and staff.  Each school received a box of children’s books, games, and puzzles, and a check for $285 to purchase additional books, magazine subscriptions, or other literacy materials needed by their schools.  Ms. Coley presented the club with a poster created by the children with comments about what it means to them to be allowed to select a book from their “Book Box.”

 

Both principals told the Lions about their schools and their ongoing literacy efforts.  Their comments inspired several Lions to volunteer to read to the students at the schools.

 

Lions Clubs International is a worldwide service organization whose members volunteer to serve their communities, with an emphasis on assisting the sight- and hearing-impaired.  The Francis Scott Key Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Barbara Fritchie Candystick Restaurant, 1513 West Patrick Street, Frederick.  For membership information, contact Membership Chairman Lion Duane Voitel at 301/908-6725 or 301/831-0203 or contact us online at www.fsklions.org.