by McKenzie Knight
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
On Thursday, March 2, students across the nation celebrated Dr. Seuss Day. Each year on Dr. Seuss Day, also known as National Read across America Day, students and teachers celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by reading and participating in literacy-based activities — some even dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters!
This year, United Way of Salt Lake partnered with 17 schools across Salt Lake and Davis Counties, engaging 253 volunteers who read with students and led Dr. Seuss themed, literacy-promoting activities and games in elementary school classrooms!
Members of the community and employees of 28 companies participated in this year’s Dr. Seuss Day festivities. Fifteen employees from American Express volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary reading books in each classroom, then making Cat in the Hat style hats with younger students, and leading the older students in a Dr. Seuss-themed writing prompt. Fourteen employees of JCPenney volunteered at Oquirrh Hills Elementary this year. Volunteers participated in a Dr. Seuss Day school-wide assembly, read in classrooms, and played with students at recess!
Literacy lays the foundation for students’ success in school and is linked to many important educational outcomes, including whether a student will graduate from high school! In the words of Dr. Seuss himself, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Thank you to those who donated Dr. Seuss books, and to the volunteers who participated in the classroom on Dr. Seuss Day for sharing your love of reading!
