and education for at‑risk children and families, will hold its 16th
annual March Madness for Reading March 1 – 30 at the agency's Child
Development Center at 1646 Clanton Road. This year's theme, "Hooked
on Books," will engage families, Thompson staff, and the community-at-
large, in numerous activities to inspire a passion for reading that
fosters lifelong learning habits.
Thompson is seeking volunteers to read to the children for 15-30
minute time slots on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. To volunteer, contact Raechelle Berry, rberry@thompsoncff.org
, 704.644.4396.
Thompson's March Madness for Reading has attracted thousands of
corporate and community volunteers since its inception in 1997. Last
year, volunteers read more than 20,000 books.
The public is also invited to make donations to help provide books.
Each $5 donation will provide one book that includes an inscription
with donor's name. You may donate online at http://www.thompsoncff.org/March_Madness_Donate.html
or mail a check to Thompson Child & Family Focus, 6800 Saint Peter's
Lane, Matthews, NC 28105.
The Thompson Child Development Center serves up to 150 children from
birth to 5 years of age from its state-of-the-art facility on Clanton
Road in west Charlotte. The Center provides North Carolina five-star
licensed early childhood education to a diverse population – many of
whom are exposed to domestic violence, substance abuse, and
impoverished environments. A large percentage of the children
enrolled have been diagnosed with special needs or have high risk
factors.
