United Way’s Success By 6 is coordinating the 16th annual Community Read Aloud on Monday, March 2. On this day, volunteers from every walk of life share their love of reading with over 4,000 children in the Midcoast area.

“It is a fun opportunity to reinforce the importance of books and developing early literacy skills,” said Peter Lindsay of United Way. Volunteers are asked to tell the children why reading is important to them and bring a book or several books to read aloud. Reading sites include kindergarten through sixth grade elementary school classrooms, Head Start centers, and child cares from Brunswick to Waldoboro.

Readers are still needed throughout Lincoln County, especially in Jefferson, Whitefield, Newcastle, Dresden and South Bristol. “Volunteers are key to a successful Community Read Aloud and they seem to enjoy it just as much as the kids,” Lindsay added.

To sign up as a volunteer reader, visit United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s website at www.uwmcm.org. Those interested in volunteering may also contact Becky, Community Read Aloud Coordinator, at beckyuwmcm@gmail.com or 207-443-9752. The Community Read Aloud is part of Read Across America Day and celebrates the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

Many volunteers who have participated with Community Read Aloud say they look forward to this event each year. New volunteers are also welcome.

Maggie Atwood of Newcastle read at Coastal Kids Preschool in Damariscotta last year.

“I can’t wait until next year to do it again. It’s one of my favorite community outings.”

Gordon Clark, also of Newcastle, visited fifth graders at Nobleboro Central School.

“Sharing a book that I enjoyed when I was that age allowed me to share the joy of reading as well as the words and process.”

Casey Smith of Jefferson read to kindergarten students at Jefferson Village School. “This was the first time I had done this event or even read to a class. It was a very positive experience and I plan on doing it again and again.”

United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In partnership with thousands of donors, United Way works on community solutions in the areas of education, financial stability, and health. It funds local programs that change thousands of lives in Brunswick and Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.