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Summer Read & Feed

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Cooking with Britt

Cooking with Britt

By Karen Hammond

“Schools out for Summer!” as the 1970s song goes. (I’m showing my age). Time for kids to relax, play and spend time with mum, dad, and siblings. But for many children, parents are at work and their older siblings may be hanging out with their friends or working as well. There’s no school breakfast or lunch, and not much to do but go to the playground or park. Young children suffered a lot during the pandemic; many lost critical skills and struggled with remote learning. It was already hard for some to keep up with their peers, and now there’s another long break from the routine and security of their school.

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Theresa Wilkins has noticed this scenario playing out many times. She’s been a teacher and librarian for more than a decade and this school year she taught 2nd grade at McNabb Elementary in Paducah. Wilkins is also the founder of the Paducah/McCracken County Read and Feed Program. A FREE academic camp that takes place every Thursday this June at 11 am.

Free Books, Free Lunch

“I started the program in 2017,” Wilkins told me. “It’s designed to be a free, fun, family program where children age birth to 10 years of age can come for lunch, books, activities, and read aloud’s. Older kids and volunteer readers are encouraged to participate as well. All kinds of different families show up – homeschooled children as well as city and county kids. I am super excited and I cannot wait to see those kids’ faces this summer!”

“St. Mary’s School Summer Feeding Program is providing hot lunches. The food will be just like a full lunch that they would serve at school during the week. We will have books to give away and guest readers.”

2022 New Location

“The first few years were at Keiler Park but while teaching at McNabb, I became aware that many families and kids from my school utilize the Rotary Playground. It has lovely facilities and is closer to the families and children we typically serve. We are planning to put up tents and create shade in the very hot weather. In the past, we had to cancel in inclement weather. This year I’m looking for a school, church, or alternate site for when it rains.”

Because of the pandemic, Wilkins was unable to hold the program in 2020 or 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be able to hold the camp this year,” Wilkins said. “In prior years we have received grants from McCracken County Early Childhood Education. They’ve paid for books for children aged birth through five years, as well as guest readers from Market House Theatre. MHT did an interactive reading and the kids enjoyed that a lot. We have also had Cindy Bird, a member of Lone Oak Lions Club as a guest reader. She dressed up as Little Bo Peep and did interactive reading, games, and songs. The kids loved it!”

Community Supporting Literacy

“Local organizations such as Knights of Columbus, the Lone Oak Lions Club, and Downtown Kiwanis have been incredibly supportive. They have donated money for food and supplies. Truly, the community has been amazing. When the Knights of Columbus came they grilled lunch. Those wonderful men made a point to talk to every single family and kid. They spoke about reading and how it affects your life and helps you see the big picture. It was the most precious thing. “

Wilkins is passionate about books and reading. She purchases many of the books that are given away herself.

“I go down to the used bookshops in Nashville and book sales,” she told me. “I love kids and I want kids to read books to find a place of escape, knowledge, and peace. I think books can give them that - at least some of them. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a kid looking at a cover and smiling with anticipation at what they’re going to find in that book – for me, there’s nothing better.”

How YOU can help

Want to support this great local program? Wilkins needs your gently used books and she’d love some guest readers. If you’re a drama student, senior, or have some free time call her. If you’d like to donate snacks or drinks for children to take home she could use those as well. If you have a space where the program can go on rainy days, please let her know. Please email her at wilkinsmomof3@gmail.com or call 270.519.9870.

For updates, more information, or for rainy day alternative locations please visit facebook.com/PMCReadnFeed.

Paducah/McCracken County Read & Feed

Every Thursday in June

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 11am read-aloud and activities, then lunch!

St. Mary’s Summer feeding program provided the meals. 

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