On March 2, hundreds of volunteers will visit area schools and child care centers for United Way’s 18th annual Community Read Aloud. Volunteers from every walk of life will share their love of reading with more than 4,000 area children. Part of United Way’s Success by 6 initiative, the event is held on Read Across America Day, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. It is sponsored locally by The Rotary Club of Topsham Expresso, Oxford Networks and Comcast.

Volunteers will share a favorite piece of writing- a children’s book, short story or other work – with the children as well as why reading is important in their life.

“It is a fun way to reinforce the importance of reading and developing early literacy skills,” said Peter Lindsay of United Way. “Volunteers are key to a successful Community Read Aloud and they seem to enjoy it just as much as the kids!”

Readers can sign up now to choose the best time and location for their visit. Locations include Kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms, Head Start programs and child cares centers in Harpswell, Brunswick, Sagadahoc County or Lincoln County.

To sign up as a volunteer reader, visit United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s website at www.uwmcm.org, email Heidi Tucker at readaloud@uwmcm.org or call 443-9752. Please sign up by Feb. 3.

Although many volunteers sign up to read year after year, new volunteers are always welcome.

As always, the mission of United Way of Mid Coast Maine is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities, particularly in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.