Messina Children's Center Celebrates "Book Buddies"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT MYERS, Fla., April 11, 2011 – Children of the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers celebrated the joy of reading and giving to others March 31 during a ceremony honoring their “Book Buddies.”

Each of the 50 pre-school children at the center was paired with an adult volunteer in the community who purchased books for the child throughout the year. The books were given to the children at the child care center to take home for parents to read to them.

“About 50 individuals volunteered to provide books to the children throughout the year. Children come to school better prepared to learn when they have adults who read, write and converse with them,” said Tammy Aronson, Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center Director.

Motivational Speaker and Book Buddy Lee Knapp read to the children during the celebration, along with Child Care of Southwest Florida Development Director Linda McNabb. The festivities included singing, dancing and skits performed by the children.

Teddy bears were donated by parents and collected at the center to be given to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Officers distribute the bears to children who experience trauma due to a traffic accident or other stressful situation.

McGruff, the Police Dog, also made a special appearance to give hugs to children and show that law enforcement officers are their friends.

The Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center is located at 4650 Fowler St. in Fort Myers and is operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. The center is licensed to care for 105 children from ages 1 to 8. The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, call Aronson at 239-278-1148.

Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., is a private non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality child care services throughout Southwest Florida. The agency provides child care for 700 children from infancy through age 12 at its six child care centers throughout Lee and Hendry counties. In addition, the agency conducts training for child care workers, and administers the federal food program in 16 counties for child care centers and family child care homes. Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc., is a United Way agency. More information is available at www.ccswfl.org

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