Kids in Cook County will have lots of fun in the upcoming LOTS sessions.
A literacy-rich home environment is a gift to any child and one that every child deserves.
Thegoal of LOTS (Learning Opportunities Through Stories) is to make this a reality on the North Shore.
LOTS is for families with children, ages birth – preK5. These free family sessions will occur weekly for seven summer weeks in several locations throughout Cook and Lake counties beginning June 22. Each session will include reading books and a fun activity for parent and child using “found” materials available in any home.
Each child receives two free books (one new, one gently used) at each session to take home for their own home library, and both parent and child will go home each time with something in their own LOTS tote!
Additionally, in partnership with United Way of Greater Duluth, each child attending can register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to receive another new no-cost book by mail each month for a year.
Community support for this project will be a huge help and there will be many opportunities for residents to contribute. Some ways are: Donate new or gently used books for children, ages birth-5; donate free “found” household items; sponsor a year’s worth of Imagination Library books for one child for $35/year; tell your family, friends, and neighbors about LOTS; offer rides to a family without transportation; read to and talk with your young child every day; make a monetary donation to support LOTS.
Photos courtesy of LOTS
Locally, LOTS will be offered at Tofte (Birch Grove Center) on Mondays, June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3; Grand Marais (Cook County Community Center) on Wednesdays, June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and Aug. 5; and Grand Portage (Grand Portage Community Center) on Wednesdays, June 24, July 1, 8, 14, 22, 29, and Aug 5.
The program is free and available to children, birth – pre K 5 yrs, and their parents or caregivers. There is no cost to attend but you must preregister so we are sure to have enough books for everyone. Call 218-387-2000 x 610.
LOTS is supported by the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation and other local funders. For questions about LOTS or donations, contact Amy Church, North Shore Collaborative, 218-834-8538, amy.church@ co.lake.mn.us, or www.northshorechildren. com.
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