(Canton, OH) April 4, 2019 – Next week, United Way of Greater Stark County’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) will be making over the library at JRC Early Learning Center to create an engaging and fun space for the children and families attending the center.
“This project was something new and exciting added to our calendar to help engage our members and give them an opportunity to create something that impacts a lot of kids,” says Laura Prengaman, Director of Corporate and Volunteer Engagement. “This makeover embodies the reality tv show home improvement guru within us all. We are working to give a fresh look and feel to a very practical space.”
In addition to cleaning, painting and organizing the room, YLS volunteers are adding their creative spin on the makeover through a variety of craft projects to excite and inspire the children in this new learning environment. The final reveal of the transformation will be at a celebration on Monday, April 15 at 11am with staff, kids and volunteers.
“YLS is ecstatic to revolutionize the library into an education hub – a place where kids can spend time dreaming and imagining – more so than just a simple space to read books,” said Molly McDougal, YLS Chair. “We are hoping this renovation will create the energy needed to inspire the kids to get excited about reading goals.”
As part of the makeover, JRC will also have a new, ongoing relationship with the Stark County District Library in order to refresh the books available in their library. “Stark Library is pleased to provide a deposit collection of books for the JRC Library Makeover,” says Marianna DiGiacomo, Community Services Director. “We believe reading is the best way to help prepare children for school success. Together with the JRC we hope to instill a love of reading that will lead to lifelong learning.”
Volunteers are still in need April 11 – 15 to assist in the big project. You can submit your information to volunteer online at https://app.mobilecause.com/form/cLIPyQ 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.