Marion County Literacy Council Receives Grant
May 2000

FLIPPIN, Ark - The Marion County Literacy Council has received a $1,000 grant from South Shore Foundation. Karen McQueary, AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordinator, said the funds would be used for computer services, computer supplies and mailing materials. Literacy council volunteers use a computer to prepare materials students and their families use at home to improve student reading levels, as well as to communicate with sponsors and families. The participating students are in grades one through eight.

About 25 volunteers in Marion County help assemble learning materials and learning games that can be used at home to improve reading, McQueary said, as a part of the "America Reads Challenge." The Marion County Literacy Council supports the reading improvement efforts, and McQueary also works in Yellville-Summit Middle School at the request of teachers. She told South Shore Foundation other schools may follow.

South Shore Foundation is the charitable foundation of Northern Arkansas Telephone Company. The foundation awards grants to nonprofit agencies to further the goals of educational advancement, environmental preservation, community betterment and economic development. NATCO President Steven G. Sanders also chairs the board of trustees of the foundation. For more information or to receive a grant application, call 870-453-3333.