Soroptimist International of La Grande Donates $2,500 toward Story Time Express Program
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Soroptimist International of La Grande recently announced a $2,500 donation toward the Eastern Oregon branch of Child Care Resource & Referrals (CCRR), a regional early learning and childcare program under the Oregon Department of Early Learning and care that serves Union, Umatilla and Morrow Counties. The funds will specifically go toward paying for new children’s books as part of CCRR’s Story Time Express Program.
According to information provided to Soroptimist, the Story Time Express program involves La Grande based story tellers, currently either Brenda Goodnight or Rayanna Vandine, visiting various local childcare providers and reading to the kids. More than just a typical story time, the storytellers carry with them special storytime bags, including props, and teach other activities such as singing, arts and crafts, and even fitness. At the end of each visit, follow-up activities and materials are provided, and each child receives a new book.
Donations such as Soroptimist’s are what have allowed the Story Time Express to continue even after fifteen years. As commented by Soroptimist donation committee member Jacquie Harvery:
“Anytime that we can support the education and learning of children and their upbringing…it’s just our mission. Our mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through education. Any children fit into our mission by doing that.”
Soroptimist has donated toward the Storyteller Express Program several times over the years. For any other local organizations involved in the support of women’s education or similar ventures, Soroptimist accepts small donation applications year-round. Details can be found at https://lagrandesoroptimist.org/applications/small-donation-application/
The CCRR corporate office is also offering its own financial support opportunities. Organizations involved in full day or full year childcare can apply for expansion grants worth anywhere from 15 to 45 thousand dollars. The deadline for these grants is March 22nd.
