August 2020 e-Newsletter
|
|
Reading Success Is Going VirtualReading Success has adapted its program for the 2020-2021 school year in order to link 1st through 3rd grade students with volunteer reading tutors online. The program provides a flexible, convenient, rewarding and impactful way for volunteers to connect with a student and contribute to their love for reading and future success. Volunteers will tutor students virtually utilizing the Google Meet platform through Waukegan Public Schools. Teachers will select students for one-on-one tutoring and volunteers will be matched with students based on their availability. All tutoring will take place during the school day. A selection of books matched to the students’ reading level is provided in a guided format including interactive ebooks and reading quizzes. Together the volunteer and student read through the book, then discuss the questions on the quiz. The program tracks each students’ reading progress. We are looking for volunteers to commit to a minimum of two 30-minute sessions per week. You should enjoy reading with children, be comfortable using email and internet links and have a desktop, laptop or tablet computer. Volunteers must also pass the background check required by both United Way and Waukegan School District. It is free, confidential and only takes about a minute to complete. Volunteers will receive tutor training and then get paired with a student (or students). Ongoing support is provided from the teacher, United Way and the volunteering platform. To apply to be a volunteer reading tutor, complete our application form by clicking the button below. For more information, please email Sue.Baehr@uwlakeco.org.
|
Scholastic and United Way Help Kids Stay Connected to Books
For the second year, Scholastic has partnered with United Way to get books to kids in need during the summer, keeping every child reading. United Way of Lake County received 4,000 books for Pre-K through 5th grade that were distributed to the communities we serve through our educational programming. Principals and staff accepted the books at their schools and will share them with their students.
We are always proud to get the opportunity to share the gift of reading with children in our community!
Baxter Gives Back
Baxter’s Northern Illinois Finance Community recently partnered with us to give back to their community by participating in activities from our new list of virtual and remote volunteer opportunities. Despite not being able to network through in-person community projects as they have done with us for many summers, Baxter associates still wanted to give back and keep their team engaged in volunteering.
Volunteers collected and donated diapers, wrote notes of encouragement for home-bound seniors and veterans, created health and hygiene kits for local people in need, created sidewalk chalk designs and summer activity kits for kids, and much more. A huge thank you to all the Baxter volunteers—your impact on Lake County is outstanding!
If you would like to learn more about volunteering with your organization through United Way of Lake County, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
Volunteer in Lake County
We have partnered with Lake County Government to coordinate local COVID-19 response volunteer efforts. Volunteers are needed to pack and prep meal boxes, deliver meals to home-bound seniors, write letters of encouragement, provide general office support, and more. You’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities on the 211LakeCounty.org website.
Get Involved with UWLC
United Way of Lake County has two affinity groups in which you can get involved: Leaders United and Women United. Leaders United is our young professional action group that is making a difference in Lake County by helping more kids achieve and succeed. Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging.
Despite the pandemic, both groups are still working hard to support their missions. Interested in learning more? For Leaders United, contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org. For Women United, contact Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.
Census 2020: A Full Count Is Important for the Future of Our Children
The next 10 years depends on your next 10 minutes! Answer 10 questions and help bring a decade of funding to Lake County for schools, roads, healthcare, child and senior centers, and much more. It’s easy, confidential and important. You can respond online at my2020census.gov, by phone at (844) 330-2020, or by mail.
If you need help responding or have questions, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
