United Way of Central Georgia will host volunteers for the yearly awards luncheon celebrating the Read United initiative this Friday, April 26th at 11:30 am at Hutchings College and Career Academy at 1780 Anthony Road in Macon.  Read United is aimed at improving youth literacy from birth to eight years old. Volunteers with ReadUnited focus on improving kindergarten through third grade level reading at 14 schools in Bibb and Houston Counties. In the 2018-2019 school year, 298 Read United volunteers tutored 738 students between Bibb and Houston County Schools.

“Our ReadUnited volunteers continue to provide vital help to our children, both by helping them improve their reading skills, as well as serving as a positive role model,” said George McCanless, President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia. “We are bridging the gap between generations by bringing volunteers together with our youth. The intergenerational perspective takes away the isolation often felt by our older generation and not only teaches reading, but provides a mentor for these children,” said Sylvia McGee, Director of Read United.

This is the fifth year Read United has partnered with Central Georgia elementary schools. At Friday’s event, United Way of Central Georgia will recognize volunteers in their first year of service with Read United and those with sustained service over the last few years. The luncheon is provided courtesy of a grant from the Rotary Club of Macon.