Heather and Angela joined Big Jake this morning to chat about this weekend's PawFest & Market Days combo fun.

 

Executive Director Nat Shook joins Big Jake's show to discuss a new initiative by United Way of South Central Illinois designed to support teachers in enhancing or building their classroom libraries. Teachers can now request specific books they need for their students, ensuring every child has access to the educational resources necessary for a successful learning experience.

This program was inspired by our joint venture with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, where we discovered the significant need for books in classroom libraries. United Way Reads aims to fill this gap by providing essential educational materials to teachers.

How You Can Help:

Book Donations: Check our website and Facebook page for a list of requested books. If you have any of the listed books and wish to donate, please drop them off at:

đź“Ť 123 S 10th St., Suite 202, Mt. Vernon, IL.

Amazon Wish List: Prefer to purchase books online? Visit our Amazon Wish List for a complete list of requested books. Your purchase will be sent directly to our office, ready to be distributed to teachers in need.

Teachers: You can apply for books directly on our website or by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/mmNb3inTWR2RPFaZ8.

By supporting United Way Reads, you are directly contributing to the educational success and future of our community’s youth. Together, we can ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!

 
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It’s been a fantastic FFA Week and our FFA Chapter of The Month contest was a success yet again thanks to the local chapters and all you listeners! We got to hear about some great and well deserving chapters, but one stands above the rest. Our grand prize winner, WOODLAWN! They pulled out all the stops and sent out the signal to all students, alumni, and members of the community… and they responded big time! The Woodlawn FFA chapter is a tight-knit group. Countless stories from former members about their time recount how it not only helped them open up and meet others, but also how it set them on the path for future success in college and life after schooling. Some still connect with former classmates years and years later. The students at Woodlawn also have a positive impact on the younger kids in our area. Those children aspire to become FFA members due to the great work the Woodlawn students do throughout their community. They have done everything from collecting donations for local community banks to helping out each year with a petting zoo for the grade schoolers and various fundraising events throughout the year. And they’ve even fundraised for other FFA chapters in their time of need. All while still performing in their competitions and workshops. The Woodlawn FFA chapter may be small, but they work hard and create a welcoming environment for students to learn and grow, with a lot of community support behind them! Give it up for the Woodlawn FFA chapter, our FFA Chapter of the Month! Thanks to Landon Hutchison & Gracie Lowery for stopping by Big Jake's show.

 
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Whitney Hodge joins Big Jake to discuss an upcoming Advocate Training Program, a fish fry, and their annual Luau fundraiser.

 
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