Read Across America

Jackie Turner, wife of Staff Sgt. Daniel Turner, Air Force Financial Services Center military pay technician, reads "The Foot Book" by Dr. Seuss, to children at the Child Development Center, March 3, 2011. Mrs. Turner reads to the children as part of the Read Across America, a national program, honoring the birthday of Dr. Seuss by reading his books to children. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli)

Read Across America

Ellsworth embraces Read Across America

Published March 3, 2011
By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Left foot, right foot, feet, feet, feet. How many, many feet you meet.

This and similar works by Ted Geisel - better known as Dr. Seuss - were heard throughout the Ellsworth Child Development Center as a group of base Airmen volunteered to read to children as part of National Read Across America Month.

Jackie Turner, wife of Staff Sgt. Daniel Turner, Air Force Financial Services Center military pay technician, was one of the volunteers. She read a passage from "The Foot Book," by Dr. Seuss to a captivated audience of children, March 3.

"I think it's important for people to get involved in programs like this," she said. "It shows our support for our children and their caregivers."

Read Across America began in 1997 to commemorate the birthday of children's author, Dr. Seuss. This year, the CDC originally planned to conduct reading activities at the center for two days. Due to an overwhelming number of volunteers, however, it has been extended to run for two weeks.

"We've had more than 50 people respond," said Beth Heinrich, 28th Force Support Squadron CDC operations manager. "It's turned into a great way for people to come in, spend time with the children, and promote literacy."

Mrs. Heinrich said that while the CDC welcomes volunteers throughout the year, the participation during Read Across America has brightened the day for all the children.

"The kids love it," she said. "They love being read to and having new people come in, because they are so curious about everything."

With 20 of 50 volunteers already scheduled, the CDC is still looking for people interested in reading to the children. Anyone interested should contact the CDC at (605) 385-2488.

"We always have room for volunteers to come in, read or do a project with the kids," Mrs. Heinrich said. "It's really great to see someone come in and devote their time to making a difference in a child's life."