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Lubbock County approves $2,500 sponsorship for rural early-literacy kits
Summary
The commissioners unanimously approved a $2,500 sponsorship to the Lubbock Area United Way to send literacy kits to rural households and childcare centers, targeting kindergarten readiness through a partnership with school districts and libraries.
Judge Parrish and the commissioners voted unanimously June 8 to provide a $2,500 sponsorship from unclaimed funds to the Lubbock Area United Way for a rural early-literacy program. Amanda McAfee, president and CEO of the United Way, said the program will send literacy kits (about $8 per kit) to rural districts and partner with libraries and childcare centers to identify children most in need.
McAfee told the court that United We Read and related initiatives have correlated with improved third-grade literacy rates in the county, noting a rise from about 68% to 78% over ten years. “We’re asking the county to consider a $2,500 childhood literacy sponsorship, and we will be focusing specifically on the rural districts,” McAfee said. Commissioners questioned how recipients would be identified; McAfee said the United Way will work with district and childcare experts to target sibling groups and families most in need. Judge Parrish moved to approve the sponsorship and the court carried the motion.
