Midlands Reading Consortium receives $60,000 gift

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The Midlands Reading Consortium, a United Way of the Midlands volunteer tutoring initiative supporting early childhood literacy, has received a $60,000 corporate gift from Colonial Life.

The consortium aims to improve reading skills and engagement for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade in school districts across Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield and Orangeburg counties. Last year, the program served almost 700 students with the help of more than 400 volunteers.

“Colonial Life sees investment in literacy as an investment in our community,” Bill Harmon, Colonial Life assistant vice president for underwriting and an MRC reading tutor, said in a news release. “It provides equity and opportunity for students across the spectrum, particularly those at higher risk for low reading proficiency. It also creates pathways to successful outcomes and builds healthier communities.”

The initiative provides training workshops and tutoring materials along with guest reading opportunities, parent engagement events and book distributions.

“We are grateful for companies like Colonial Life who invest in our children and community,” said Sara Fawcett, United Way of the Midlands president and CEO. “Their donation allows us the opportunity to provide books, teaching support and training to schools through the Midlands Reading Consortium which will have a positive impact on our community.”

Volunteer opportunities are available for the 2020- 2021 school year.