Summer Read & Feed By Karen Hammond
“S
chools out for Summer!” as the 1970s song goes. (I’m showing my age). Time for kids to relax, play and spend time with mum, dad, and siblings. But for many children, parents are at work and their older siblings may be hanging out with their friends or working as well. There’s no school breakfast or lunch, and not much to do but go to the playground or park. Young children suffered a lot during the pandemic; many lost critical skills and struggled with remote learning. It was already hard for some to keep up with their peers, and now there’s another long break from the routine and security of their school. Theresa Wilkins has noticed this scenario playing out many times. She’s been a teacher and librarian for more than a decade and this school year she taught 2nd grade at McNabb Elementary in Paducah. Wilkins is also the founder of the Paducah/McCracken County Read and Feed Program. A FREE academic camp that takes place every Thursday this June at 11 am.
Free Books, Free Lunch
“I started the program in 2017,” Wilkins told me. “It’s designed to be a free, fun, family program where children age birth to 10 years of age can come for lunch, books, activities, and read aloud’s. Older kids and volunteer readers are encouraged to participate as well. All kinds
Paducah/McCracken County
Read & Feed Every Thursday in June June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 11am read-aloud and activities, then lunch! St. Mary’s Summer feeding program provided the meals. 10
JUNE - JULY 2022
Purchase Area Family Magazine
Read online! issuu.com/purchasefamilymag
