National Volunteer Week: Storyteller Shares the Joy of Reading with Kentucky Families

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  Chris Campbell positively impacts Kentucky community through a free, local literacy program
  
  


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  Campbell: "I've been fortunate, and it comes back to me in ways I never could have imagined"
  
  


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  6-week program includes reading, free books, door prizes for children and families with reading challenges
  
  

Campbell's various volunteer opportunities include his memberships with the ELK Club and Knights of Columbus, his role as Little League coach and his position as president of the Board of Directors for the local Corbin Public Library. As president, he and the Board are responsible for approving and maintaining the budget, establishing library policies, and promoting literacy in all forms especially digital and traditional for the local Corbin Community.

`'Our current Corbin Public Library focus is on giving our community access to resources that may be out of their reach, whether its meeting space, digital tools, or books; we really look to fill gaps in our community," said Campbell. "It's also where I became involved with a literacy advocacy program for local children and their families who may have troubles reading - a program called Prime Time Onwards and Upwards."

The 6-week program is a free resource for children and their families within the area. Each week, a selected book (usually a Caldecott Winner), is read and then given to the families, allowing them to continue the experience at home. In addition to the reading sessions, discussions are led for the children and their parents, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and stronger communication skills.

"The Prime Time Onwards and Upwards program focuses on 6-10-year-old students and their families," said Campbell. "It's a great opportunity to meet local families and neighbors as we all gather while I, or another volunteer, read and discuss the book and enjoy a free meal."

The reading program also actively engages participants with door prizes awarded to the students who attend each session. Additionally, community partners are invited to interact with the organized program and even provide complementary meals to the program, free of charge. This collective participation across the town creates a sense of community and highlights the importance of collaboration in supporting children's education and well-being.

"The Prime Time Onwards and Upwards program originated in Louisiana and has since partnered with Kentucky to expand its reach," explained Campbell. "The funding for the program is provided by the Kentucky Humanities Council, with the Steel Reece Foundation as a dedicated sponsor. In 2021 the Corbin Library Board of directors applied for and received The Steel Reece Foundation grant of $25,000, in support of programs and resources advocating for educational STEM initiatives which still benefit the library today."

Throughout his time fulfilling philanthropic work around the area, the most impactful has been his recent involvement in the Prime Time Onwards and Upwards program.

Reflecting on his experiences, Campbell expressed his gratitude, stating, "I've been fortunate, and it comes back to me in ways I never could have imagined." His passion for promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading among Kentucky families has made a lasting impact on the community.

"I'll always be grateful for the experiences I gained in our weekly sessions," Campbell said, "but this year's children in particular taught me so much more than I ever could have taught them."

Local families interested in participating in the Prime Time Onwards and Upwards program should visit the website at https://www.kyhumanities.org/programs/prime-time.

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