Volunteer Spotlight: Marilyn

This is my fourth year volunteering with Project Reads. I first heard about it from a friend at the zoo, Mary Jane, who encouraged me to give it a try. I am passionate about childhood literacy. Reading is the foundation of every other subject and truly a doorway to the rest of the world.

Over the years, I have loved getting to know each of my students. Sitting with them to hear about their week, what they are looking forward to, and sharing a laugh over a book or a game has been such a joy. Apples to Apples is always a favorite and we laugh a lot when we play it as a big group.

Volunteering has reminded me that I still have a purpose and that I am making a difference one reader at a time. I encourage anyone who has even one hour a week to consider volunteering. All you need is enthusiasm and a love of kids and reading and you can make a huge impact on a student’s life.

I am also a big fan of World War Two history. One of my favorite books is No Better Friend by Robert Weintraub. It is a true story about a soldier and his dog Judy who stayed together through combat capture by the Japanese and time in a POW camp.

Tell your friends and encourage everyone you know to check out Project Reads.