A classroom of excited students listened attentively as Injury Attorney Kenneth J. Allen of the Allen Law Group read to them on Monday, November 1.
Mrs. Sarah Pace’s first-grade class at John Wood Elementary in Merrillville was treated to Allen’s reading of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss as part of United Way of Northwest Indiana Reading Buddies program.
Allen is passionate that reading, especially at a young age, can lead to great success down the road. His love for reading is what inspired him to be a part of the program.
“I think that reading literacy is the foundation for success in life, and it’s our job, to the extent that we can, to help our kids be successful,” Allen said. “I think it’s everybody’s responsibility to do whatever they can do for the community and others.”
Allen looked like Santa as he carried a big bag of Reading Buddies into the classroom. He then pretended to speak with each Reading Buddy before selecting a child to care for it. The children cheered for the stuffed animals that included cute monsters, unicorns, dinosaurs, and dogs.
Reading Buddies are given to first and second-grade children to encourage students to practice their reading skills. Nearly 4,000 stuffed animals are delivered to about 170 classes each year. Allen visits two schools a year. In addition to John Wood Elementary, he also visited the students at Yost Elementary in Chesterton.
John Wood Elementary Principal Alison Petralia was grateful that Allen stopped by to read to the students. She said she hopes his actions inspire the children to give back to their own communities as well.
“It shows that he is trying to go full circle. For these little kids to see someone who is a positive influence by giving back to their community, I hope that they will replicate that one day,” Petralia said.
Kasie Tenbarge, Porter County Director of Development for United Way of Northwest Indiana, knows how Reading Buddies help young children establish needed skills that benefit them for years to come.
“The Reading Buddies program lays a vital foundation for lifelong learning,” Tenbarge said. “We can’t thank Mr. Allen enough for helping empower children.”
United Way of Northwest Indiana organizes the program and calls on volunteers throughout the year to donate and prepare stuffed animals for delivery in the fall.
The Reading Buddies program is always accepting donations so they can continue to help children discover their love for reading. Just $10 will help bring an additional two reading buddies to a classroom. Donations of $250 can support a whole classroom, and $1,000 will support all classrooms at any school.
For teachers in the Region interested in offering this program to their students, please email info@unitedwaynwi.org.
United Way of Northwest Indiana programs help 22% of Northwest Indiana households in a single year. For more information about what United Way is doing, visit www.unitedwaynwi.org.
