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CREC Discovery Academy Read-a-Thon Benefits Hurricane Relief Center
(Hartford, Conn.) A Read-A-Thon at CREC Discovery Academy raised $819.45 to benefit hurricane relief efforts at Hartford’s Centro de Ayuda Para Nuestros Amigos Caribeños (Relief Center for our Caribbean Friends). The center assists people from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands who have come to the area because they were displaced by this fall’s hurricanes. On-site community organizations and volunteers provide social services and everyday necessities free of charge. The Capitol Region Education Council manages the center, which is located at 15 Van Dyke Ave.
Literacy Coach Diane Leja spearheaded the Read-a-Thon, which was the first event of its kind at the school. It took place in October and was open to students from Pre-K through fifth grade. Participants pledged to read a certain number of books in three weeks and they secured sponsorships from family and friends. They could also take part by setting and reaching a goal for the most books read without sponsorships.
The project was a team effort throughout the Wethersfield school. Students in the aftercare program even made and hung posters to remind their peers to participate.
The students read 495 books in all. Fifth grader Andrew James Farrlley collected the most pledges, which resulted in $250 for the cause. Most importantly, the event raised awareness that children can find age-appropriate ways to do their part to help others.
“This event gave our students an opportunity to help others by doing something they love to do, which is read,” said Leja. “I am a huge supporter of teaching children to be global citizens and help others when needed.
“Most times, adults are the ones to donate to a cause,” she continued. “Through this event, I wanted students to be aware that they could make a difference and help others through their love of reading. I am totally astonished at the amount of money the students collected.”
