S.O.A.R. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM TO HOLD GARAGE/BAKE SALE MAY 4TH AND MAY 5TH
The SOAR program is asking for your help! The program will be participating in the City Wide Garage Sales May 4th and 5th and would love to have your unwanted items. Items that you donate will be sold to make a profit for the benefit of all of the children involved in the before and afterschool program. Please use your best judgment when deciding on items to donate. If you cannot get out, but would like to donate, you may call 660-216-2433, to arrange for pickup. Donations are also being accepted now through May 3rd, Monday through Friday, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the SOAR building, located East of the Putnam County R-I Schools.
The SOAR program is a before and after school program, for children to go to when they are not in school or during the summer. It provides a safe and nurturing environment that offers enrichment and learning for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The program has been available for five years, and has been made possible through a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. This program assists students daily with homework and also provides tutoring as well as enrichment. This current five-year grant will end on June 30, 2012.
The school district recently conducted a Needs Assessment which indicated that there continues to be a strong need for quality childcare throughout Putnam County. Word has been received that another grant will be made available to apply for, but it takes time, and the competition for the grant is fierce. So, even though the school district will apply, the application and award will not be right away. The monies received from the grant, in the past have been budget delegated each year following the grant guidelines and stipulations. The program uses the money very wisely--spreading it out over the year, from reading books to robotics, to crayons and paper. During the summer, the program also takes the children on field trips to many places where the children have never had the chance to go, and have had tremendous learning experiences.
The SOAR fundraising committee is trying to raise money to keep this program going, and to fill their after school library with more books for the kids to enjoy. Your help in providing exciting learning opportunities for the children of Putnam County is greatly appreciated and your donations will help make a difference today!
