MANSFIELD, Ohio — Reading can be, and is supposed to be fun. That was the message Altrusa International Inc. of Mansfield and the Dewald Center wanted to convey to a group of youngsters last Saturday.
The two local organizations sponsored a Family Literacy Fun morning that included reading activities and a craft session.
“It’s one of the neatest things we’ve ever done,” said Barbara Huston, an Altrusa member. “We put on a skit of the Big Bad Wolf and worked crafts. It was such a fulfilling day.”
According to its website, Altrusa International of Mansfield is known within the community for its hands-on approach to community service. One of the primary service projects is Tools-For-Schools. In this instance, the value of reading is a project the Dewald Center is trying to emphasize.
“There were 12 Altrusa members there to assist Brenda Nelson (Dewald Community Center Director) with the program, encouraging them to read more,” Huston said.
After the skit, the elementary-age youngsters worked on a craft that turned a pumpkin into one of the book characters. The final session was creating an origami bookmark using a monster theme.
Altrusa also presented a $400 check to Nelson in support of the Dewald Center’s goal of staging two more reading programs in 2016.
According to its website, the Dewald Community Center at The Salvation Army is preparing the way in a faith-based Christian environment for individuals of all ages to make positive life choices through the development of quality relationships. It is located at 47 S. Main St., Mansfield.
Altrusa is an international organization (founded in 1917) of business and professional leaders who volunteer their energies and expertise in projects dedicated to betterment of their community, its website states. Membership in Altrusa International, Inc. is an honor and granted by invitation only from a club based in the local community. Locally, there are 48 members listed at the Mansfield chapter of Altrusa website. Mansfield is located in Altrusa’s District Five, which includes Ohio and Michigan.
