Jun 09, 2026

United Way seeking volunteers for summer reading program

Posted Jun 09, 2026 3:59 PM

By MATT PIKE

United Way is asking volunteers to read with children this summer through the United Way Reading Adventure program, as well as books to be given to children through a variety of United Way programs.

To connect children with a reading volunteer during the summer, United Way will partner with several different programs.

  1. InterServ school-age child care program at Wesley Center
  2. InterServ school-age child care program at Sojourn Church
  3. Noyes Home for Children
  4. YMCA school-age child care program at Buchanan County Fairgrounds
  5. Bartlett Center Youth Program

 Each program is held at a different time, and volunteers are needed in July and August to read with students.  At each session, volunteers will read with small groups of students for approximately 40 minutes. Volunteers can sign up to read once, a few times or on a regular schedule.

Children in the United Way Reading Adventure program will also receive books throughout the summer to encourage reading at home, and United Way distributes books through several programs to help build home libraries, so new and gently used books for children ages 6-12 are needed as well.

Individuals and organizations interested in volunteering to read or donating books can contact Jodi Flurry or register online at stjosephunitedway.org.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.