SMART seeks Yamhill County volunteers to kindle a child’s imagination through reading

Are you a voracious reader of all things literary? If so, the children’s literacy nonprofit SMART Reading would like a word.

The Portland-based organization is seeking volunteers at schools in Yamhill and three other counties in northwest Oregon.

“Reading is an essential skill for kids, helping them start and stay on a path to success in school and beyond,” a recent release from the organization said. “Since 1992 … SMART Reading has been committed to providing students with two critical components of reading success: regular practice time with an adult and access to books.”

The program, which originated in Oregon, is entering its 33rd year and, this year, hopes to reach more than 700 students and give away 11,400 books in the northwest quadrant of the state. Locally, volunteers are needed at Edwards Elementary and the Newberg Center of Head Start.

SMART Reading’s goals are simple: “Data collected from teachers annually shows that 90% of students who participate in SMART improve in comprehension, vocabulary development, motivation, enjoyment, and other key metrics.”

The organization is seeking individuals who can commit one hour a week to reading with a child or classroom at a local school. The reading sessions are typically focused on sharing the joy of reading, building confidence and providing valuable practice time, the release said. SMART is also looking for site coordinators to commit two to eight hours per week to act as SMART’s on-the-ground leads at each site, overseeing and implementing the weekly reading sessions.

“Volunteering with SMART Reading is a fun, meaningful way to impact kids right here in our community,” Michael Finlay, interim program manager for SMART’s Northwest Area, said in the release. “I regularly have volunteers tell me that the hour they spend at SMART is the best part of their week.”

For more information, call 971-634-1628 or visit www.SMARTReading.org .