Reading partners program receives ‘good neighbor' grant

Plainville Community Schools is the recipient of a State Farm Good Neighbor Grant in the amount of $500, designated for the purchase of books for the Reading Partners Program. The State Farm Companies Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations at which associates volunteer 40 hours or more per calendar year. Reading Partners is a program in which volunteers meet weekly with students in grades one to five to share books and conversation, and to inspire a child's love of reading.

Nick LoPreiato, a State Farm agent in Plainville, applied for the grant in recognition of his volunteer activity as a mentor at Toffolon School and reading partner at Linden Street School. LoPreiato, who joined the Volunteer Program in 2005, strongly encourages students to read. "Reading is so important," LoPreiato said. "It not only prepares young people to navigate through life, but also provides them an opportunity to learn about anything, go anywhere, or simply make a new friend."

There are currently 22 individuals from the local community who spend their Friday lunch hours reading and talking about books with a student. Volunteer Coordinator Gina Broadbent said, "The children and volunteers in the Reading Partners Program truly enjoy their time together. There is always excitement and often laughter as students respond to the stories they read. I am grateful that the State Farm grant will allow us to offer a greater number and variety of books to the children and, as a result, to extend their horizons of learning."

"Plainville Community Schools is honored to receive the State Farm Good Neighbor Grant. We value the community's support of our schools and students, and appreciate Nick LoPreiato's participation as a volunteer," said Dr. Kathleen Binkowski, superintendent of schools.

For more information about volunteering in the Plainville Community Schools, contact Volunteer Coordinator Gina Broadbent at broadbentg@plainvilleschools.org or call (860) 793-3209.