Read Aloud Delaware holds volunteer appreciation brunch

Read Aloud Delaware recently expressed appreciation to nearly 70 volunteers during a brunch at the Georgetown library.

Attendees were welcomed by Read Aloud Delaware Executive Director James Spadola and Sussex County Director Stacy Penaranda.

“I want you to know that you are making a difference one child at a time,” said Penaranda.

Read Aloud Delaware is a children’s literacy program with a vision to help every child in the state acquire the fundamental literacy skills needed to succeed in school and life. Volunteers read to children one on one in 40 childcare centers, preschools and elementary schools in Sussex County.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Susannah C. Richards, author of “A Work of Heart: Connecting with Kids in a Chaotic World.” Richards is a lifelong educator and co-founder of W.O.R.L.D. Project Corporation, a nonprofit organization designed to enhance the educational climate for impoverished children.

Richards shared some of her favorite children’s books, and talked about ways to engage children in literature and the importance of adults as natural mentors.

The Roxanne Nelson Memorial Award is presented each year to a volunteer who has given exemplary service to Read Aloud Delaware. Nelson was a longtime Read Aloud Delaware volunteer and served on the state board of directors and the Sussex County committee. This year’s honoree is Alison Brick of Millsboro, a reader for Growing Tree at the Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club. A member of the Sussex County committee, Brick has been instrumental in recruiting new volunteers for Read Aloud Delaware. “Alison always goes above and beyond,” said Penaranda.

For more information, go to readalouddelaware.org.