Dear Friends of Preston County Literacy Volunteers, Inc.:

            My name is Sharon and I have been the AmeriCorps VISTA for the past year here at Preston County Literacy Volunteers, Inc. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you during my time here, and through the various events that I have attended.

 I have learned a great deal about serving the community, running a productive office, and the need for both funding and volunteer leadership in order to keep a program successful.  Also, I have gained valuable experience through working with volunteers in our community, as well as the adult learners that we are all here to serve. I am very proud to report that in the last fiscal year (July 1 to June 30); PCLV served 76 adult learners and 37 volunteer tutors. 

Our quilting program is a huge success as are the computer classes.  Beverly Tasker, CarriePratt and Debra Cress continue their volunteer efforts to teach quilting, reading and math skills to many.  The quilts have been on display at the Buckwheat Festival and the McGrew Society Quilt Show.  Their efforts have blossomed to hand bags which are available at Tathum's. Karen Koehnlein  and Bob McDaniel  continue their efforts to teach computer literacy at our lab at the Kingwood Public Library.  The RUBY READ Mobile Library is touring many parts of PrestonCounty bringing literacy to those who would not otherwise have access to a library. Lori Kinsey  is heading up the RUBY READ and we are looking for a new Vista member as well as a new AmeriCorps member to help with Health Literacy issues.  Talks are underway to help raise the literacy level at the female prison.

            Now, I would like to talk with you about the importance of sustainability.   In order to provide these services to the community we need your help your time and talent as well as your financial support.   Our program needs your financial help now more than ever.

            Today you can make a difference by writing a check; tomorrow you can make a difference by volunteering.  In the future, you can include us in your planned giving, financially or through volunteering your time, assets and talents.  We will need help with volunteer and adult learner recruitment, adult learner resources and support, volunteer training, and grant finding and writing.  We are also seeking new Board members.

            The FREE services that we provide to our adult learners aren't truly free. We are able to offer them only because of your generosity, your volunteer service, the grant-writing and fund-raising efforts of our volunteers, and through the difference that each of you will choose to make. Please choose to help us today.

                                                                        In Literacy,

                                                                       Sharon Krafft-Deem

          AmeriCorps VISTA

         Preston County Literacy Volunteers