By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Orion Township’s Buildings and Grounds team is partnering up with Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) Head Start to offer the community a not-your-typical type of fundraiser.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, they joining their forces for Run To Read at Friendship Park, located off of Clarkston Rd. at the Baldwin Rd. intersection. The events begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon.
The first annual Run To Read family fun walk/run will incorporate a 100-yard dash for the kiddos, prizes, crafts, giveaways, and an opportunity to hop on the Orion Township fire trucks all for a little donation.
Instead of bringing out the wallets, donate a book, because it is the OLHSA’s goal to create a personal library for each of its 1,711 local scholars, up to age five in Oakland County. There are 81children enrolled in the Lake Orion OLHSA Lake Orion Head Start, and 12 children in the Early Head Start.
Participants can choose from different book lists, according to age, at http://www.olhsa.org/olhsa-head-start-presents-run-read-event.
OLHSA is a nonprofit organization with a national mission to provide all children the opportunity to excel in their early years of education. The program provides educational opportunities and services to economically challenged and disabled children and families.
Each program is designed to strengthen social and educational successes, and the Run To Read program is no different, with the overall intention to provide each student with their personal library they can take home at the end of the school year.
Eligibility for the developmental programs is determined with income and age in mind, with special consideration to families with disabilities.
‘This event came about as a result of working closely with Head Start parents and teachers to determine students? needs, along with conducting regular community needs assessments,? Assistant Director for Early Childhood Services Elena Steele said. ‘Additionally studies show, when children have access to multiple types of reading materials in the home, they will have a higher reading proficiency,? according to the Educational Testing Service.
OLHSA has 18 operating facilities in Oakland County, making it one of the largest Head Start organizations providing children with access to nutritional, medical, and educational services. It has been providing services in the community since 1969, serving over 80,000 children.
To make any other donations to the organization, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/olhsaheadstartsrunto/fundraiser/OLHSA.