Saturday, July 30, 2011

Maybe there's hope.

Today we did one of those volunteer jobs that we sort of agree to with some trepidation, but that always turn out fanastic.

Doing anything outside in July, when the temperatures have been in the mid90s is chancy at best. And you never know what happens when what you’re doing involves children. However….

Helping at the wrap-up party for the library’s Children’s Summer Reading Program always is such a treat! It was hot and sticky occasionally, but mostly there was a good breeze through the pavilion where the event is held. John and I were stationed at the registration tables this year, so we did get to sit down from time to time.

It is great to see these kids of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens, in all shapes, sizes, and colors trooping through with the lists of the books they had read over the summer. We gave them their certificates, coupons for free books and popsicles, chances on door prizes, and local merchant coupons. Then off they went, with parents in tow, to the various activity tables, games, etc. There was a juggler, a group of therapy dogs, music, inflatables, etc., etc. And a good time was had by all.

What always thrills me about this event is the number of kids (and their parents) who come, and the variety! Of ones that I could identify, there were whites, blacks, Japanese, Chinese, Christians, Muslims, Indonesians, Indians, and who knows what-all combinations. They were of all economic levels. And they were all there together because they were READING!!!! Maybe there’s hope out there somewhere.
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As we left, it started to rain, and we drove through showers all the way home. We wound up getting almost 1.5” of rain, and the temperature dropped to around 80. Naps and pizza finished out the day.
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Angkor Wat.

 
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1 comment:

Harriet said...

What a truly hopeful experience!

In our town, the library is cutting its hours again...