Inaugural UnityReads Event Draws 55

Children and their families gathered at Kids Playce in Lexington on June 20 for the inaugural UnityReads literacy initiative. The family reading and literacy play date, put on by Unity4Kids, brought together young readers from across the region for an afternoon of reading books and hands-on learning through fun-filled activities.

“Watching 55 children walk through the door for our very first UnityReads event was one of the most powerful moments in our organization’s short history,” said Tammy Reid, founder and executive director of Unity4Kids. “This is exactly why we do what we do – because every child deserves access to books, to stories, and to the belief that they matter. Today showed us that this community is ready, and we are just getting started.”

The launch event was packed with engaging, literacy-focused activities that kept children of all ages learning and laughing. Kids participated in crafts, a literacy scavenger hunt, sentence-building exercises and creative commercial productions – each designed to build language skills while sparking imagination. Every child in attendance received a take-home book, ensuring that the reading did not stop when the event ended.

UnityReads was joined by the Rockbridge Regional Library Bookmobile, bringing an additional selection of books and library resources directly to families at the event. Reid said that Unity4Kids extends a heartfelt thanks to Kids Playce for “providing a welcoming and creative space, and to all volunteers and community partners whose commitment made this day possible.”

Reid noted that UnityReads events are to take place on a recurring basis throughout the year. Families, community organizations, schools and businesses interested in partnering with or supporting UnityReads are encouraged to reach out directly to Unity4Kids.

Donations are encouraged. Unity4Kids directly supports programs like UnityReads, helping ensure that children in the Rockbridge area have access to the books and literacy experiences they deserve.

Here are ways to make donations: • Online: Visit givebutter. com/unity4kids to make a secure donation.

• Texting – text “Unity4Kids” to 53555 from your mobile phone.

• Venmo – send a gift to @ Tammy-Reid-63 on Venmo.

• By mail – send a check payable to Unity4Kids, Inc. to 30 Stone House Lane, Lexington, VA 24450.

Unity4Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The UnityReads event was made possible through the support of community sponsors: Chick-fil-A, BARC Electric Cooperative, Walmart, the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany, DuPont Community Credit Union, Rockbridge CAN, and Spencer Home Center.

Unity4Kids was founded in October of 2024 and is headquartered in Lexington. Through nine programs — meal delivery, food pantry, clothes closet, hygiene support, holiday outreach, emergency financial aid, comfort and crisis bags, mental health advocacy and the UnityReads literacy initiative – Unity4Kids serves children and families across Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany counties.