SUMMER READING VOLUNTEER BEN AND LORI KIRK’S STORY
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As a long time educator, one truth that I know is that even one loving and supportive person in a child’s life can make a world of difference. This summer, my son Ben and I decided that we would like to use our talents to make a difference in a child’s life. Choosing the summer reading program was a natural choice for me because of my background in teaching elementary school. Ben loves serving, especially with children. The previous summer he and I spent some time in the Dominican Republic working with children through recreation and nutrition. Helping nurture that desire, passion and interest in my own child has been very rewarding. My favorite moment of the summer was when we were in Smoketown and I turned around to see Ben surrounded by a group of young children. He was reading to them and they were so absorbed. Their eyes were fixed on him and they were captivated, leaning upon him. In that moment, my heart was so full. I will never forget that moment when I saw my big, athletic, teenage son as a gentle soul, giving the gift of God’s love. In present time, we may not know the impact of our brief work this summer. It’s our prayer and hope that we accomplished our goal and made a difference in some child’s life.”
SUMMER READING PROGRAM KIDS IMPACTED 107 POPSICLES AND BOOKS 1,164 14