United Way of Greater Newark Celebrates Celebrity Read 2020 in 28 Local Elementary Schools Throughout February

Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark announced the 31^th Anniversary of Celebrity Read will take place during the month of February in schools in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, South Orange and Orange, New Jersey.  An invitation only kick-off breakfast will be held on Friday, January 31^stat the Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street at 9:00 a.m. The Celebrity Chairperson for this year is David Caldwell, a Montclair native and former NFL player that recently co-authored a children’s book withhis mother called It’s Not Fair.

Celebrity Read is a long-standing literacy initiative created by United Way of Greater Newark with a primary goal of recruiting volunteers to model their love for reading from pre-k to 4th grade elementary classrooms in its service area. In recognition of the program’s unique service to the community, it has been designated as a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress in 2001.

“We are pleased to offer Celebrity Read to 28 schools within our footprint.  That translates to hundreds of volunteers making a difference in a child’s life bysharing stories and experiences about their jobs and interests.  Celebrity Read is extremely popular, so much that we expanded and hosted a Holiday Read where volunteers read winter-themed and holiday books to children in Newark and Orange, said Ms. Wilson.

This year, volunteers represent a variety of industries and occupations including judges, former NFL players, lawyers, federal employees, college students, firefighters and police as well as retired educators. Last year more than 500 volunteers read to students, setting a new record.  Below you will find this year’s schedule.

Celebrity Read 2020 Schedule