Marena Bondi Volunteering to Promote Reading to Underprivileged Children

2013 Jun 10

Marena Bondi, of East Norriton, Pa., served as a volunteer for Alvernia University's "Alvernia READS" program last semester. The program is dedicated to promoting childhood literacy and improving academic achievement for underprivileged children. Bondi, is a Freshman Education major at Alvernia University.

Marena said Alvernia READS is "a spectacular way to work with the children of the Reading community. It is always a great experience to read with the children and help them discover how great reading is!! Time flies when you grab a book and read."

Alvernia READS is one of several service-learning initiatives organized by the university's Holleran Center for Community Engagement. Working with the Greater Reading Cops 'N Kids program, students help to get more books into the hands of underprivileged children and spend time with them, in order to provide an increased sense of confidence when dealing with schoolwork.

ALVERNIA is a fast growing Franciscan university, grounded in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, that combines diverse academic opportunities with personal attention and an unmatched commitment to community service. Situated on a scenic 121-acre suburban campus in historic Berks County, Pa., the university supports a rigorous and caring learning community that is home to more than 3,000 students.