Breakfast to honor reading program

Bridgett Kallenberger is a big fan of the Plant a Seed, Read program.

She’s on the board of the organization and has two children who have taken part in the organization’s activities.

The program is designed to get kids reading at a young age, and Kallenberger says that is so important today.

The program will be helped by a “Breakfast for Literacy,” event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Havre Eagles Club.

Parents and their children are encouraged to come, said Lorraine Verploegen, executive director of the organization.

There will be a kids’ raffle, with a child-sized rocket, books, games and art supplies being awarded.

Verploegen said there will be a special guest appearance by Dr. Seuss.

The money raised will be used to fund a variety of programs Plant a Seed, Read sponsors, including:

• Age appropriate books for children up to the age of 5;

• Family literacy kits to help parents encourage their kids to read;

• Materials for child care providers to encourage reading by youngsters;

• Books for volunteers for kids to read to youngsters;

• Material for bookcases for graduates of the program’s Imagination Library.

Kallenberger said the reading programs have been exciting for her children.

Periodically, they get books in the mail from the program, and that is always an exciting time, she said.

“What can be more fun for a young person than getting a book in the mail?” she asked.

“Even in a time when we have digital games, computers and TV, books are so important,” she said.

“Taking time to read to children is so vital,” she said.

She said parents can start out reading to their children, then they can read together, and then parents can let their children read to them.

“It takes 15 minutes a day,” said Kallenberger. “It is so worthwhile.”

The value of the program lasts long after children graduate from the program, she said.

In addition to honing reading skills, reading books help children develop thinking skills.

The Breakfast for Literacy will be 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children. They are available at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, 130 5th Ave.