The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To The Eagle:

RIF-Reading is Fundamental-is a literacy program that came to the St. James Family Center Preschool and Kindergarten through 3rd Grade at the J.A. Wendt Elementary School in 1993. Children in these grades receive three free books of their choice each school year to keep and take home as their very own. Wahkiakum County was asked to join RIF of Cowlitz County in an effort to bring books to a rural population of students with the hope of creating a love of books and an early interest in reading. When RIF first came to Wahkiakum County in 1993, and for many years thereafter, the program received substantial federal funding and a considerable sum from United Way. With wise budgeting, and additional local donations, buying the books needed for the children was possible each year. Three years ago the federal funds provided to the RIF program were cut. Recent financial problems at the United Way in Cowlitz County have resulted in the elimination of the funding historically provided by its charitable giving to the RIF program.

Currently, RIF of Cowlitz County and Wahkiakum County is trying to subsist on individual donations, a few grants, and a local “RIF Valentine” fundraising activity each January and February. This year’s “RIF Valentine” was designed by a 9th grader at Mark Morris High School in Longview. “RIF Valentines” are free for the taking at the Cathlamet City Library and the St. James Family Center. They come with a pre-addressed envelope and a letter explaining how much money will buy a book. Anyone can use a “RIF Valentine” to donate directly on their own behalf, or to send a donation in honor of “their Valentine” to RIF in Longview, which includes Wahkiakum RIF.

The RIF program is completely run by volunteers. All monies donated go toward the purchase of books for the children. Funding the purchase of those books this year has been a real struggle. The average cost of each of the three new books provided to each child in Wahkiakum County this school year is $3.20. The total cost to provide these new books for all the Wahkiakum County children this year is $1,974.60. We have assessed some help from Wahkiakum PTO ($400) and St. James Parent Group ($150) which = $550. So subtracting that from $1,974.60, it leaves $1,424.60 to pay. Cowlitz County RIF has been paying our way with extra money from some organizations there. However, they are now feeling the big crunch too. In order to continue this RIF program we need help in a monetary way. Every dollar is used to buy books. This is a breakdown of the cost for new paperback books: $3.20 for 1-2 books, $25 donation will buy about eight books, $50 will buy 16-18 books and $100 buys over 30 books.

To continue supporting this program, pick up a free valentine at the Cathlamet City Library or at St. James reception desk. They are in small RIF boxes right on display. Or, a donation can be sent directly to this address: RIF – PO Box 1841 – Longview, WA 98632-8134. Any type of monetary donation would be greatly appreciated.

A big thank you goes to the Thursday, Cathlamet Senior Lunch Group for digging into their pockets and giving almost $200 in an impromptu donation to the young Wahkiakum School children for RIF books. The third and last book distribution for this school year will be held on Monday, May 9 from 9:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the U.C.C. social room near the elementary school. Readers to children, as they select their own book to keep, are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Mary Thomas,

Wahkiakum RIF Coordinator