United Way of Central Georgia is seeking volunteers for Read Across America Day on March 2nd, also known as Dr. Seuss' birthday. We need at least 100 volunteers to read to students at Bibb County, Houston County, Peach County, Crawford County, and Wilkinson County Elementary Schools. Each volunteer will spend 45 minutes to an hour at a school reading to children. Since Read Across America Day is about celebrating Dr. Seuss, the schools will provide a Dr. Seuss book for the volunteer to read or the volunteer can bring their own favorite Dr. Seuss book.

“It’s a fun day for kids across our area to experience the fun adventure of reading through the whimsical ways of Dr. Seuss,” said JoLee Henson, United Way of Central Georgia Volunteer Engagement Specialist. “With events like Read Across America Day, we are helping to foster a love of reading with local children and engaging volunteers in our schools. It’s a win-win for all involved and we love seeing the number of participants increase each year.”

“Participating in a shared literacy event provides another means of emphasizing the importance and joy of reading. Children like celebrations and they feel important being included in something they can relate to,” said Sylvia McGee, United Way of Central Georgia AARP Experience Corps Project Manager. “It also provides good memories for them to reflect upon later on when they are adults. Also, the intergenerational aspect of reading is valuable to the emerging reader and to those telling the story.”

On Friday, March 6th, United Way will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday again with the 2nd Annual Seuss on the Loose at 3rd Street Park in Downtown Macon with NewTown Macon and the Bibb County Community Partnership. It'll be a family-friendly activity with read-alouds, face painting, book giveaways, crafts, costume raffles and more.

To get involved with either Read Across America Day or Seuss on the Loose, contact United Way of Central Georgia.