TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- It's once again Read United Week, and United Way of the Big Bend is stepping up for area first graders.
For the sixth year in a row, the organization is handing out 4,500 books to every first grade student in Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. Since the program's inception, UWBB has given about 27,000 books!
All week long, about 200 community volunteers are also reading to every first grade classroom. Participants include Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, Leon County Superintendent Jackie Pons, and WTXL ABC 27's very own Sunrise Meteorologist Max Tsaparis.
He was happy to take part and read to Mr. Moore's class at Riley Elementary School.
The reading time also allows educators to take a quick break from teaching, which works out well because Tuesday is "National Teacher Appreciation Day."
For more information about United Way of the Big Bend's Early Education efforts, click here.
