The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded the Boothbay Region YMCA a $3,000 grant to support the Child Enrichment Center’s Summer Discovery literacy program. This local grant is part of more than $8.6 million in grants awarded to more than 950 schools, nonprofits and organizations across the communities Dollar General serves.

Harbor Montessori School & Child Enrichment Center Director Emily Sue Barker expressed gratitude for the funding saying; “Reading has such a big impact on young children and we're thrilled that this grant will provide us with more books to share with them."

This will be the second year that the Y has received funding for its summer literacy program which focuses on building early reading and writing skills among children ages 3-5. The funding is designed to support the integration of classroom literacy activities, art, field trips, and gardening into summer curriculum. In addition, these funds allow the center to send home a new book and literacy activity kit for each child in attendance on a weekly basis—helping families to build their home libraries and further support early reading.

“During these extraordinary times, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to support communities’ literacy and educational advancements through funds that will impact thousands of students across the country,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO and Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member. “We are proud to support the meaningful and impactful work that each of today’s recipients conduct and support their ongoing efforts to help individuals improve their lives through literacy and education.”

For more information about the BRYMCA’s Summer Discovery Program or to register your child, please reach out to Emily Sue Barker @ebarker@brymca.org or 207-633-2855, ext. 400.

To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, visit www.dgliteracy.org