Did you know the number of books in a child's home is strongly linked to better educational outcomes later in life? United Way of Monroe County will gather volunteers for a Day of Action on Friday, October 11 to assemble literacy backpacks for children in Pre-K through sixth grade.  

 

“Unfortunately, children in low-income households typically have less books in their home,” explained Executive Director Efrat Feferman. “Projects such as this Day of Action, along with our ongoing literacy programs, help even out the playing field and give every child in our community the opportunity to achieve in school and beyond.”  

 

Presenting Sponsors Duke Energy and Old National Bank share a commitment and passion for childhood success. As a result of their generous donation totaling $9,000, 600 children will receive literacy backpacks which will build a love for reading. 

 

“The Duke Energy Foundation is honored to join with such an exceptional community partner as Old National Bank to support the United Way Day of Action program,” said Duke Energy government and community relations manager Bruce Calloway. “This is a wonderful example of collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the communities we serve.” 

 

Scott Shishman, Old National Bank Regional President, relayed, “We are very proud to team up with Duke in order to serve our community. Old National Bank is a strong supporter of United Way and the wonderful work that they do for all of us.”  

 

Volunteers will deliver literacy backpacks to six United Way member agencies that work with children: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington, Girls Inc. of Monroe County, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries, and New Hope for Families.  

 

Literacy backpacks will be filled with an engaging variety of materials designed to ignite a love for reading and writing. Backpacks include three new books to expand each child’s home library and help strengthen their reading comprehension. In addition to assembling and delivering backpacks, volunteers will handcraft each child a bookmark, which encourages children to read in different places and with different people in their lives.  

 

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!” 

 

Interested in being a part of the Day of Action? Join us to help make a difference in the lives of kids in Monroe County by building literacy backpacks. Thanks to Presenting Sponsors Duke Energy and Old National Bank, and Social Sponsor BJ’s Brewhouse.