Reading program needs volunteers

The SMART® book and reading program is looking for volunteers to read with students in Sisters Elementary School.

SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) served 40 children at Sisters Elementary School last year. Thirty-three adults in the community donated their time to the program.

The volunteer commitment for SMART is one hour per week, reading with two children, one-on-one, for 30 minutes each. Each SMART student receives two free books each month to take home, share with their families and start a home library.

SMART provides trained volunteers, business sponsors and new books to children in kindergarten, first, second and third grades.

The mission of SMART is to enhance the reading skills, attitudes and life prospects of children who need assistance and to enable adult volunteers and communities to experience the rewards of enriching young lives.

SMART's parent nonprofit organization, the Oregon Children's Foundation, was founded by former Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt and Portland's Ater Wynne law firm in 1991.

For more information or to volunteer for the program, call 383-6466.