Leapers Take The Plunge for Reading in Stephens Co.
Leapers jump into Lake Louise during Saturday’s “Leap for Literacy.” (Photo courtesy: Robin Dake)
A handful of area residents take the plunge to benefit a local reading initiative.
Saturday, the skies cleared after a wintry week and a handful of teams made the jump in the annual “Leap for Literacy” at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa.
The “Leap for Literacy” is organized each year by Family Connections of Stephens County.
That organization’s board chair, Tammy Riddle, said it is a fun event every time.
“I would love to see a bigger crowd, so maybe it will be so much fun this year, the crowd will be doubled next year,” said Riddle. “It is a good fundraiser.”
During the “Leap for Literacy,” those who have signed up and raised money to jump take the plunge in to the chilly waters of Lake Louise.
This year, water temperatures were in the upper 30s.
Money raised benefits the Stephens County Read-At-Home Program, which is organized by Family Connections.
Riddle said that is an important program for children in Stephens County.
“That is an expensive program so we raise money to pay for that,” said Riddle. “Every child that is born up to the age of 5 years old receives a hard back book in the mail once a month. If you can get a book in the home, the parent, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa, neighbor, somebody will read to the child and the child is more ready for kindergarten, Pre-K, and school. It is a wonderful thing.”
Riddle went on to say that the Read-At-Home program is one of a number of things that Family Connections of Stephens County does.
“We get information out to parents, guardians, the community about resources that can help better themselves, their families,” said Riddle. “It is a wonderful, wonderful program.”
Riddle credited Family Connections Director Allyson Warren with organizing the Leap for Literacy this year and also all of the volunteers that make the event happen.