When United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties asked for a volunteer who loves reading, Nick was an obvious candidate.
Nick, who participates in Easterseals programs in Columbia City, enjoys reading, particularly books about automobiles. Just as important, Nick is unfailingly friendly and outgoing. And when there’s something special he knows about – old tractors, for example – he enjoys explaining it to other people.
Stephanie Turner, who oversees day services at the Columbia City Easterseals office, and Michelle Gibson, a community living staff member, invited Nick to share his love of reading with some soon-to-be readers: a kindergarten class at Coesse Elementary. He was quick to accept.
United Way started its spring “Read United” program in April. Through that program, volunteers go to elementary schools, reading books to children in their classes.
United Way selects four books for each volunteer to read, then the classes get those books after the readings.
Nick said he enjoyed asking kids questions after he reads and hearing what the kindergartners have to say.
“I asked the kids what their favorite pet is. I asked the kids, ‘What pet do you have that you love?’ One kid said, ‘I have a gerbil that I love,’ “ Nick said.
“Nick has been quite the delight and we are very thankful for his time and service to our kindergarten group,” said Lindy Cox, the office manager at Coesse Elementary. “If he would like to do this again next year, he is welcome to.”
Gibson, the Easterseals staff member who took Nick to his readings at Coesse Elementary, said the children were quite absorbed in his reading.
“They were very quiet and attentive,” Gibson said.
Nick began reading in mid-April and finished his readings early in May. After another of his readings, he asked the kids about colors they like.
“I asked them, ‘what’s your favorite color to color pictures with?’ One of the kids said, ‘I like to color with the color red.’ Another one said, ‘I like all the colors.’ The colors of the rainbow! So, he colors with every single color,” Nick said.
“Another kid told me he likes to read just like I do,” he said.