Ehlers stresses literacy, volunteering at Reach Out and Read event

Grand Rapids, MI – In celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the Reach Out and Read program, Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers read to children today in Grand Rapids.

The event at Cherry Street Health Services’ Westside Clinic was part of a month-long celebration of the nationwide nonprofit’s 20^th anniversary. Reach Out and Read promotes literacy by giving books to children, and its programs serve 8,422 children in Kent, Ottawa, and Barry Counties.

“Reach Out and Read is a wonderful program because it introduces kids to reading in a fun and meaningful way,” Ehlers said. “I urge everyone in our area to volunteer at local service programs such as Reach Out and Read this summer. It is a great way to make a difference for people in our area.”

Congressman Ehlers co-chairs the National Service Congressional Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a leading advocate in Congress for volunteering and community service.

More information on Reach Out and Read can be found here: http://www.reachoutandread.org/