“I have two boys, Keenan is 8 and Xavier is 6. Xavier likes adventure books and Keenan is into chapter books now,” said Melton, a 24-year Ginghamsburg Church member who lives in Vandalia. “I think it’s really awesome how everyone pulled together to show them we’re there to support the community and the children.”
Trotwood’s ELC currently owns about 2,000 books, so this donation boosted the library’s inventory by 500 percent. The Point’s gift will make a difference in the lives of students.
“Here at the Early Learning Center, we are trying to get books into the hands of our students. Children report that they do not own books at home and don’t go to the public library,” said Martin. “Every student is asked to read 30 minutes nightly. When The Point contacted us and asked how they could support our school, I told them about the school’s need for books.”
Due to budget cuts, the ELC librarian’s position was eliminated in 2013, and a community volunteer manages its school library. But the library does have the space for additional books.
“I love reading to my boys, and I know what a gift books are to children,” said The Point children’s ministry coordinator Tiffaney Taylor. “Developing a love for reading at an early age is a recipe for life-long learning and success for kids in Trotwood.”
Taylor is passionate about blessing children. Since joining the Ginghamsburg staff team at The Point, she has grown its children’s program through music, drama, games and a great message. The Point and Trotwood’s ELC have plans to continue its partnership through a weekly volunteer reading program, where children are paired with a church member to listen to the student read aloud.
“For students, reading aloud has a whole new meaning when they have an audience. We’re excited to see the growth in the children’s skills when partnered with a caring adult,” Martin said.
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