All across Whitfield and Murray counties, kids are diving into books, volunteers are showing up with smiles and story time, and communities are coming together to make sure learning does not stop when the school bell rings for summer break.

Through our Keep Kids Thriving program, part of our year-round Read United initiative, we are helping children avoid the “summer slide” — the learning loss that can happen when students are out of school for extended periods of time. Research shows this can have a lasting impact on reading success, but together, we are helping write a different story.

United Way delivers free books, fun educational activities, and caring volunteers directly to local schools and community sites throughout the summer. One of the best parts? Every child gets to choose books to take home and keep. Watching a child light up when they pick out their own book never gets old.

And the fun does not stop there. Our Little Free Libraries are stocked and ready across local parks, schools, and community partner locations, giving families free access to books 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it is a bedtime story, a summer adventure book, or a favorite childhood classic, these little libraries are helping spread literacy one page at a time. You can find locations at ourunitedway.org/little-free-libraries.

This summer, we are also excited to welcome 68 students into our Youth United leadership programs. Our Youth United Council for rising juniors and Youth United Ambassadors for rising seniors are learning how to lead, serve, and make a difference right here in Northwest Georgia. Through leadership training with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute, these students are building confidence, gaining real-world skills, and becoming the next generation of community leaders.

At United Way, we know strong communities start with strong foundations. That is why 29% of our funding supports youth and education initiatives — from early literacy and kindergarten readiness to leadership development and workforce preparation.

Want to jump in and help? Here are a few easy ways to get involved this summer:
•    Donate Books – New or gently used children’s books can be dropped off at our office (816 S. Thornton Ave.) or placed in any Little Free Library.
•    Volunteer – Help pass out books, encourage kids, and make summer brighter for local families. To volunteer, email stephanie.hogshead@ourunitedway.org.
•    Give – Your donation helps fuel programs like Read United and Youth United. Learn more at ourunitedway.org/give.
Together, we are helping children build confidence, imagination, and brighter futures — one book, one student, and one summer at a time.

United is the way our children will thrive.

Amanda Burt is the President of United Way of Northwest Georgia.
The mission of United Way is Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.