ReadingPals is a literacy program that United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee launched in 2015. With funding from Carol and Barney Barnett of Publix Super Markets, we recruit and train volunteers to read to young children at schools in Lee and Hendry counties. The volunteers not only enjoy helping children discover a love of reading, they become their “Pals”. They spend an hour each week during the school year talking, drawing, reading and building a relationship with one another.
