Leap for Literacy Set for February 22

Stephens County will take the leap for literacy once again next month.

The 8th annual Leap for Literacy will take place February 22 at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center.

Stephens Education Literacy Foundation Executive Director Ellen Alligood said on that day, individuals will take the plunge to help encourage and raise money for reading and literacy programs in the county.

“Brave, brave people come out to the Georgia Baptist Conference Center and leap in to Lake Louise,” said Alligood.  “Last year, the water was 37 degrees, so it was freezing.”

She thanked those who come each year.

Proceeds from the Leap for Literacy are split equally between SELF and Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Stephens County.

Alligood said SELF uses the money to help with a number of its efforts throughout the year.

“We give scholarship money to people at North Georgia Technical College for those who are taking their GED (test),” said Alligood.  “It also helps as a fundraiser for a project we do to provide dictionaries to every third grader in Stephens County.”

Money also goes towards hosting a luncheon for the winners of the yearly “My Dreams, My Future” essay contest, said Alligood.

Meanwhile, Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Stephens County Executive Director Toni Childress said its portion of the proceeds benefits the Read-At-Home program.

“We have to raise about $24,000 a year locally to pay for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program,” said Childress.  “This helps meet our goal of raising $24,000 a year.”

Childress went on to say that there is still plenty of time for people to sign up and make the leap.

Businesses can sponsor a 2-person team for $250 and individuals can leap for a donation of $100, said Childress.

Organizers have noted that all donations are tax-deductible.

For more information on the Leap for Literacy or to register, contact Childress at 706-898-5116 or Alligood at 706-886-6909.