February 21, 2024 9:20 a.m.

Children’s Literacy nonprofit SMART Reading is issuing an invitation for the community to give one hour a make a meaningful difference for kids learning to read.

A release from the non-profit said it is seeking volunteer readers who will be placed at a local elementary school or preschool to read with children on a weekly basis. This provides important practice time, one-on-one attention and a fun, low stress experience with books. No prior experience is necessary, and all training is provided.

Kris Dellsite, SMART Reading Senior Program Manager in Douglas County said with kids still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, the program is a supportive partner to schools, supplementing literacy instruction with two key ingredients for reading success: reading support and access to books. Dellsite said, “Our mission is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book”. Dellsite said, “Right now, over half of Oregon’s young students are not reading at grade level, which is hugely concerning. Volunteering with SMART is a chance to have an impact right here in the community, one book and one child at a time”.

SMART aims to reach over 600 local kids and give away over 17,000 books this school year. They currently have a high need for volunteers at local UCAN Head Start preschools including:

*Sutherlin

*Winchester

*Roseburg

*Green

*Winston

*South Umpqua

For more information, contact the local SMART office by calling 672-6477. Submit a volunteer application by going to: www.smartreading.org.