Church raises money for summer reading program

Salmon Creek — Salmon Creek United Methodist Church hosted a community concert last month featuring hand bells and local United Methodist church choral groups, raising nearly $1,400 in support of Project Transformation, which is a nationally-based mission of the United Methodist Church. The seven-week summer reading program helps underserved youth in the community practice their reading skills, as students who read during the summer usually have higher academic success rates when they return to school in the fall, according to a news release from the church. “It was exciting to see the children looking for books even before pairing up with an adult,” said Sandie Hollister, a church volunteer. “Each day I was eager to go, as I hoped I would help a child strengthen their skills.” Approximately 12 volunteers from the Salmon Creek church came daily during the first week of camp at the end of June to read one-on-one with children. The program also provided breakfast and dinner for college interns working with children.