PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The first Book It for Reading 5K and Kids Fun Run was held Oct. 8, 2016 in Presque Isle and proved to be a hit among participants.
The event, sponsored by the United Way of Aroostook to promote both healthy activity and literacy, drew 95 runners and 24 volunteers to Mantle Lake Park. Kids participating were able to pick out a book to take home after they finished the course.
“We had participants from all ‘walks’ of life,” said United Way Executive Director Sherry Locke, “including children, families, moms pushing strollers, grandparents, as well as seasoned athletes.”
Locke said the local United Way is working hard to promote literacy. “Book It for Reading not only helped us raise funds for the program, but also awareness of the importance of books and reading,” she said.
“As the runners crossed the finish line, athletes of all ages selected the book of their choice from the hundreds of books that had been donated by Aid for Kids, a partner agency here in Aroostook County,” Locke said. “The runners were so excited as they crossed the finish line, not only to have completed the race, but to then get to choose a book of their own.”
She said children could be seen throughout the park that day, some with their families, reading their new books. “It really was a wonderful sight to see families enjoying new books,” Locke added.
All proceeds from the event will stay in Aroostook County and will benefit the United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Currently through the Dolly program, the UWA is sending 2,000 books each month to the children of Aroostook County.
“In June of 2016, the UWA announced that we had sent our 50,000th book,” said Locke, “and in December of 2016 that number will have risen to 60,000 books.”
All children under the age of 5 living in Aroostook County are eligible for the free program, and once registered the child will receive a free book once each month in the mail.
To register for the program, visit https://usa.imaginationlibrary.com/register_my_child.php#.WATpB_krK70.
Donations are still being accepted to support the Imagination Library here in Aroostook County and Dri Fit shirts are still available for purchase for just $10. For more information contact Locke at 764-5197.
