Kiwanis donation boosts youth literacy

Cathlamet young people will get a boost in their quest for learning to read at a special assembly tentatively scheduled for April 8, 10:20 a.m., at J.A. Wendt Elementary School.

The Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet will present grade-level appropriate books to students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. The presentation is part of the local Kiwanians’ effort to serve community youth.

Parents of all students are invited to attend. About 125 new books will be distributed among students.

“This Kiwanis book-gift program was moved ahead with the efforts of grade school Principal Theresa Libby, Cathlamet Public Library Trustee Toni Hardy and Town Librarian Connie Christopher,” commented club President Dennis Gordon. “We were looking at ways to try to have an impact on children in the community. The schools and the Library are natural partners with Kiwanis in a number of ways. It occurred to us that the gift of a book would be something the Club could do to promote reading and use of the library among the youth of Cathlamet.”

“Toni and Connie were of great help in selecting types and titles of books for each grade level, and handling the mechanics of purchasing. I want to give special thanks to Toni for all the effort she has accomplished. I also want to emphasize that this project is a Kiwanis Club effort at no expense to taxpayers.”

The Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet is a chapter of Kiwanis International, a private, non-profit philanthropic education, and service organization dedicated to serving youth. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church meeting hall for a potluck supper and presentations from community leaders on subjects of public interest. The club also meets the third Tuesday monthly at 7:15 a.m. at the Riverview Restaurant for business and project planning. Men and women interested in learning more about community service opportunities may call Gordon at 849-4470.