Beulah United Methodist Church decided to join Chesterfield County’s STAR (SummerTime Access to Reading) program, and host neighborhood elementary school students and their families for three evenings of books, snacks, games and crafts. The main idea was to keep children reading over the summer so they will be better prepared for school in September. Three Tuesday evenings were scheduled – one each in June, July and August.
Following the success of our June event – about 30 children and their families came – we asked, “Why not do something like this on a more frequent basis?” From that question, Breakfast & Books @ Beulah, or B&B@B, came about. So beginning on Thursday July 9, volunteers showed up to welcome local families from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. They ate breakfast, chose books, played games with volunteers and their families, and participated in crafts. Some kids brought their own used books to donate to others. The noise level attested to their enjoyment. Sometimes a special reader shows up to read to the children.
The final STAR event was combined with Chesterfield County National Night Out on August 4. Law enforcement officers stopped by to chat with the kids and their families, and towards the end of the evening, Officer McGruff, crime-fighting dog came in to meet them.
The last day for B&B@B is this Thursday, August 27. All are welcome.
