The Children’s Literacy Foundation Brings Stories and Books to the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s child care and summer camp programs through Summer Readers Grant
Children served by the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Early Education Center and summer camps were treated to a storytelling presentation from presenter Marv Klassen-Landis and brand-new books to keep, thanks to a generous grant from the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF). Storyteller Marv Klassen-Landis led an interactive presentation for 330 children, ages 1 through students entering grade 6. At the end of the presentation, each child selected two new books to keep from hundreds of titles.
CLiF awards Summer Readers grants to organizations serving kids at high risk of experiencing a “summer slide” in literacy skills. The partnership between the YMCA of Greater Nashua and CLiF reached our community’s young readers who are at greatest risk.
Research shows that children who don’t read over summer vacation tend to lose literacy skills while children who do read improve their reading abilities. Low-income children and youth often experience greater summer learning losses than their higher-income peers.
“We value our partnership with the Children’s Literacy Foundation. It’s a highlight of our summer for the children who get to participate in the event and are able to take two books home with them. The fun filled days of summer should always include pleasure reading,” said Elizabeth Covino, director of community relations at the YMCA of Greater Nashua.
——
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua facilities, located in both Nashua and Merrimack, engage over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.
About the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF): CLiF is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1998. Its mission is to nurture a love of reading and writing among low-income, at-risk, and rural children in New Hampshire and Vermont. CLiF has inspired more than 200,000 young readers and writers through literacy program grants and has given away more than $5 million in new, high-quality children’s books. For more information visit www.clifonline.org.