Volunteer Foster Grandparent, Percy Lyle, holds up a sign promoting his program on Santa Fe Drive Friday afternoon. The “Flash Freeze” was meant to raise awareness for literacy and the opportunity to volunteer with students.
Denver seniors took over Santa Fe Avenue Friday, September 9, to promote literacy. The group, all volunteers, spends thousands of hours each year tutoring at-risk students in reading and math. While working with students is their passion, last week their goal was to raise awareness and pursued more volunteers to join them.
Volunteers with Volunteers of America’s Retired Senior Volunteer (RSVP) and Foster Grandparent programs as well as volunteers from Reading Partners Colorado joined together for the “Flash Freeze,” holding signs to promote their cause. The group attracted dozens of honks and waves from passersby in the Santa Fe Arts District.
There are many ways to get involved in helping students meet their literacy goals. Volunteers of America’s RSVP program places those 55 years or better in volunteer positions that fit their interest, including tutoring school children. Volunteers of America’s Foster Grandparent program exclusively places volunteers in educational settings where they tutor and mentor at-risk students. Reading Partners offers volunteers the opportunity to tutor students from low-income communities who are reading 6 months to 2.5 years below grade-level using their easy-to-follow curriculum.
For more program specific information and to get involved, visit www.voacolorado.org or call 303-297-0408.
