(Canton, OH) April 18, 2019 – On Monday, April 15, United Way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) wrapped up a makeover of the library at JRC Learning Center with a ribbon cutting and surprise reveal to the staff and kids at the center.
The bright, inviting room now has a “Very Hungry Caterpillar” theme. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a children’s picture book designed, illustrated, and written by Eric Carle, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Over 50 YLS volunteers offered their time and skills over a four-day period. While the windows and doors were covered to keep staff and kids from peeking, the volunteer crew painted the room and bookshelves; added a chalkboard area, puppet theater and story area; crafted story stones, caterpillar bookends and a handmade paper tree; and brought in additional games and activities.
“The JRC Learning Center children and staff were overwhelmed with the beautiful new library makeover completed by volunteers from the United Way Young Leaders Society,” said Tom Thompson, Executive Director JRC Learning Center. “As the brain development of young children in the first five years of life impacts their success in kindergarten and beyond, experiences of children through books and imagination in the “new” library will set the table for their future success. Thank you so much for the many volunteers who made this library possible. Your hard work will make a positive difference in so many young lives for years to come! “
JRC now also has a new, ongoing relationship with the Stark County District Library in order to refresh the books available in their library so that the children have access to new and relevant books year after year.
Pictures are available at the United Way of Greater Stark County Facebook page.
Want to be a part of YLS? Visit www.uwstark.org/young-leaders or contact Laura Prengaman at [email protected], 330-491-9953
About Young Leaders Society
United Way’s Young Leaders Society is a group of passionate young professionals who come together to educate, engage and inspire individuals across Greater Stark County. They harness their time and talents through mentorship, fundraising and volunteerism to activate education initiatives and build a better community. Education sets the foundation for the future, and it is the area where they believe they can make the greatest impact. As young leaders, our personal and professional success would not have been possible without support from mentors, teachers and advocates who helped us along the way. Now they’re paying it forward for the next generation. More information is available at www.uwstark.org/young-leaders-society .
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org . Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.