Energy Express, a statewide summer reading program, has kicked off its fourth summer in Hancock County.
The program will serve 88 children in Hancock County, providing two meals a day and reading-based educational activities to help children maintain their reading skills and good nutrition during the summer months.
College students and community residents serving as AmeriCorps members support the program, which will take place from Monday through Friday, July 27, at Oak Glen Middle School and Weir Middle School.
"Many children from low-income families fall behind, both nutritionally and academically, during the summer months," said Carole Scheerbaum, Hancock County Energy Express coordinator. "This program ensures that they receive good nutrition and stay involved in fun and educational activities. Energy Express has been shown to help children not only maintain their reading skills during the summer, but often to actually improve them.
"We depend on support from the local community to make this program a success. We need local volunteers to read with the children, to help serve meals, and to donate supplies for the program."
Major funding for Energy Express comes from the West Virginia University Extension Service, the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service, the Summer Food Service Program through the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.
For information, to volunteer, or to donate supplies or money for the program, call Scheerbaum at (304) 564-3805 or email Carole.Scheerbaum@mail.wvu.edu.
