L-R Scott Hayes of Target and David Foote of Port Orchard Kiwanis

Scott Hayes, Silverdale Target store manager presented a check for $2,000 to Kiwanian Chris Smith, chair of the Port Orchard Kindergarten Reading Program, to help purchase books. “This grant will greatly enhance our Kindergarten Reading Program,” said Smith. “Reading is so very important and it is the key to success in school and life. Our Kindergarten Reading Program often provides the first book that some children own.”

Kiwanis Club members have been reading to Kindergarten classes for nearly 10 years now and this year they will read to 15 Kindergarten classes in six schools throughout the South Kitsap School District.

“This year we will reach over 375 children and each one of them will get a new book to take home,” said David Foote, Club President. “Our members really enjoy going into the classroom and reading these story books to the children each week and when they finish the story, one child gets to take that book home. We continue to read in each classroom until every child has received a book.” This year the club will read in Manchester, Olalla, Sidney Glen, South Colby, Sunnyslope and Hidden Creek Elementary Schools and thanks to the Target grant the club has an opportunity now to once again expand its program to reach even more children.