United Way of Central Maryland volunteers recently celebrated Read Across America Day, an annual, nationwide reading celebration that takes place on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2. To recognize Dr. Seuss — and his impact on early reading — United Way staff and nearly 130 volunteers representing at least 25 companies and organizations read The Cat in the Hat to students at 16 schools and community centers located in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
In addition to reading, volunteers staged fun activities for the students, fueling their excitement for reading. The “Cat in the Hat,” “Thing One” and “Thing Two” also made appearances, interacting with the students and posing for photos.
At Baltimore’s Arlington Elementary/Middle School, several Baltimore City Police Officers joined in on the festivities, reading to students and delivering book donations collected earlier in the morning during Baltimore City Police Commissioner Kevin Davis’ United Way “In Their Own Words” event.
Baltimore City Police Officers joined United Way of Central Maryland staff and volunteers to celebrate Read Across America Day at Arlington Elementary/Middle School. In addition to reading “Cat in the Hat,” students participated in fun activities with Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2. *Images available.
“Today, we celebrate Dr. Seuss and the incredible influence he’s had on early reading,” said Mark Furst, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “Dr. Seuss Day gave our volunteers a wonderful opportunity to instill the fun and importance of reading in young scholars. The participation of the Baltimore City Police Department was especially meaningful in making today a huge success.”
United Way of Central Maryland works toward changing the odds for families and communities across our region every day by focusing on stabilizing families with safe and affordable housing, a quality education and access to healthy food and healthcare. For more information about United Way of Central Maryland, visit www.uwcm.org.