Walk Encourages Literacy Spokane Coalition Funds Reading And Writing Programs

It seems incredible, but there are still those among us who look at the letters you are now reading and see nothing more than strange marks on newsprint.

They make no sense at all.

It is for that reason that the Spokane Literacy Coalition exists. And it is why the group, with the help of Washington Mutual, Washington Water Power and Auntie’s Bookstore, is once again sponsoring a Walk For Literacy.

The walk will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday at the WWP building at 1411 E. Mission. Marchers will proceed on the Centennial Trail to Spokane Community College and back, about three miles.

Founded in 1986, the Spokane Literacy Coalition was a melding of the Spokane affiliates of the Public Broadcasting Service and the American Broadcasting Corp., area universities, colleges, schools, public libraries and various private groups. The aim: to create and fund literacy programs on the local level.

Support for such programs has fluctuated over the years, which is why interest in the Walk For Literacy was heightened last year. The result: 400 marchers.

Of course, in addition to doing something for those who need reading help, marchers stand to gain tangible prizes. All marchers under 12 years of age will earn free books. The first 500 marchers, regardless of age, will earn free T-shirts. And the school boasting the most marchers will be get $500 worth of books.

Finally, all marchers will be provided refreshments during the walk.

Registration forms are available at any Washington Mutual Financial Center. For further information, call 626-5359.

, DataTimes