The first three Book ‘Em North Carolina events held in Lumberton might be a distant memory to some, but to many others it continues to affect lives and hopefully, futures.
Each year, proceeds from book sales have been evenly distributed among the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through United Way of Robeson County, Communities In Schools, Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Lumberton Police Department — earmarked for school-age children.
Communities In Schools has used part of the donations for its Great Leaps program, a supplemental reading program that is underway at eight elementary and middle schools in Robeson County. Volunteers meet daily with children to review phonics, site words and short stories. BENC funding has provided each participating student a grade-appropriate book to take home for summer reading. For the past three years, CIS has served hundreds of students per year with books.
Through the Great Leaps program, encouragement and positive reinforcement for mastering skills helps build self-esteem and confidence for the student. Building confidence means more participation and engagement in the classroom.
