Florida Women's Club Sends 14 Readers to 433 Kids

When Anita Kaplan got the call to find volunteer readers for Golden Grove Elementary School, she didn't have much time. But the chair of Westlake's Education Advisory Board knew exactly who to ask.

The Cresswind Women's Club answered within days, sending 14 volunteers to read to 433 kindergarten through second-grade students. They joined millions worldwide for Read for the Record, an annual event where people across the globe read the same book on the same day to celebrate early literacy.

This year's book was "See Marcus Grow" by Marcus Bridgewater, known online as "Garden Marcus." The story follows a child who learns that growth happens when someone believes in you and helps create the right environment.

Among the volunteer readers was Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O'Connor. "Their faces were full of suspense, wondering what would happen next," he said after reading to students.

"Having the mayor there, you would think he was the president," Kaplan laughed. The students asked thoughtful questions and hung on every word.

Why This Inspires

Principal Linda Edgecomb says guest readers show students something powerful. "People of all ages can have a love for reading," she explained, adding that volunteers "donate their time to make a difference" and show kids that "our community is invested."

Read for the Record is now in its 20th year, organized by nonprofit Jumpstart. More than 30 million people have participated since the program began, and millions of books have been distributed to build home libraries for children who need them most.

Kaplan, who holds a master's degree as a reading specialist, knows the importance of early literacy. "Reading is so important," she said. "Children need to have a joy for it."

Edgecomb agreed, noting that when she sees students with books in their hands, she knows "they've become part of that adventure." The school keeps age-appropriate books available in classrooms and the library for students to read or take home.

Every volunteer left with a smile, proof that sharing stories creates magic on both sides of the page.