United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee is recruiting volunteers for the United Way ReadingPals program to read to four and five-year-olds at seventeen school sites in Lee and Hendry Counties.  Reading Pals help build a strong foundation for literacy and a love of reading in young children.

Children who are read to are more likely to become good readers. Children who read at grade level by the third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school.

The ReadingPals literacy program requires a commitment of only one hour a week during the school year. During this time Pals are matched with pairs of Pre-K or Kindergarten age children who need extra help.  Pals build a meaningful relationship by providing the individual attention many kids need to thrive. 

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the community. 

The schools in Lee County are: Hector Cafferata Elementary (Cape Coral), Christa McAuliffe Elementary (Cape Coral), Bonita Springs Elementary, Colonial Elementary, The Early Childhood Center, J. Colin English Elementary, Gladiolus Child Development, New Horizons Afterschool in Estero, Orangewood Elementary, Orange River Elementary, Pinewoods Elementary, Sunshine Elementary, Villas Elementary, and HealthPark Child Development Center.  

The program is supported by the Children’s Movement of Florida and Publix Charities.  To learn more, contact Nancy Coker at NancyC@UnitedWayLee.org or 239-433-7544.  To sign up, go to www.UnitedWayLee.org/Volunteer/ReadingPals.

ReadingPals is a program of the United Way Volunteer Center. The United Way Volunteer Center connects individuals and companies to volunteer opportunities throughout our community. You can reach the United Way Volunteer Center by calling (239) 433-433-7567, or by visiting the United Way website at www.UnitedWayLee.org.