The Open House event took place Tuesday at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA, where the Literacy Volunteers office is located. The public was invited to attend and join in the celebration, and visitors were welcomed warmly.

A check for $1,000 for the Library Project – to build, renovate and expand the Elkins-Randolph County Library, which has been closed for two years due to water damage – was presented by Literacy Volunteers President Cary Hopwood to Elkins-Randolph County Library Board Trustee Keith Hopwood. The donation was made in memory of Terry McCreary and Pat Schoonover.

During the celebration, members shared information about how individuals can become a part of Literacy Volunteers of Randolph County.

Beginning in 1984, Literacy Volunteers has served Randolph County by providing free tutoring to adults 16 and older in basic reading and writing skills, and with English as a second language. Tutoring is one-on-one and confidential. Tutors and board members are all volunteers. Free training is provided for the tutors. All materials are provided.

A 40th anniversary celebration for Literacy Volunteers of Randolph County took place Tuesday at the Elkins-Randolph County YMCA.

Literacy Volunteers’ other activities have included March into Reading programs to interest children in reading. For several years the organization offered Family Literacy programs in the summer serving the outlying communities of the county with story hours, crafts, and information about reading for the parents. 

Members held a summer day camp for rising middle school students which utilized a Civil War theme, and involved the Beverly Heritage Center. The summer camp was chosen as Program of the Year for Literacy West Virginia. 

A Read-a-Thon for students in the elementary schools of Randolph County raised funds to support the programs, and to encourage children to read more. A picnic is enjoyed each summer by students, tutor, and board members, and their families.

Literacy Volunteers is an affiliate of ProLiteracy America and is a 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information, please call 304-636-4515 and leave a message.