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Published: wednesday, November 12, 2008
Maine Business
Bangor, ME
BANGOR, Maine – The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Literacy Volunteers of Bangor to expand volunteer recruitment efforts through a targeted outreach campaign to coincide with its 40th year of service.
“It takes a tremendous amount of courage for an adult to ask for help with reading. So, when low literate adults have to wait a long time for a tutor, this can be very disheartening,” said Dick Madore, Board President of Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. “Wal-Mart’s investment in our Teach One, Reach One volunteer recruitment program will help capture the attention and time of more Mainers willing to be part of the solution.”
Through dedicated and trained volunteers, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor empowers Bangor area adults with improved reading and English language skills through no-cost, learner-centered instruction that enhance life skills. The Wal-Mart Foundation funding will expand its volunteer recruitment efforts through a targeted PR campaign that coincides with the agency’s 40th year of service. Literacy Volunteers of Bangor consistently has a waiting list of adults who want to improve their reading. More volunteers will help meet this need.
“Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club are proud to help the Literacy Volunteers of Bangor recruit more volunteers and assist more people in the Bangor and Brewer areas,” said David Murray, Market Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
The Wal-Mart Foundation presented the check to Literacy Volunteers of Bangor at a ceremony Nov. 12 at the Wal-Mart in Brewer. Maine Gov. John Baldacci attended the event.
For nearly 40 years, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor has worked to improve the lives of Bangor-area residents who have literacy barriers that affect their social, economical, and educational opportunities. Volunteers receive training to either assist an adult who is improving their reading and/or is learning to speak English as another language. In 2007, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor received the Agency of Distinction for the “2 Those Who Care” Awards sponsored by WLBZ Channel 2. Adults interested in volunteering or improving their literacy are encouraged to call 947-8451 for more information, or visit online at www.lvbangor.org.
The grant was made possible through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program. Through this program, the Wal-Mart Foundation awards grants at the state and regional levels to support unmet needs in areas of focus such as: Education, Job Skills Training, Environmental Sustainability and Health. For more information, please visit: www.walmartstores.com.
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