BETHLEHEM, PA. – March 2 is National Read Across America Day and this year, Lehigh Valley Reads is teaming up with local community partners, as well as CAI and People First Federal Credit Union to kick off its third annual Million Minute Challenge.
As part of this year’s kickoff, representatives from Truist Bank will greet Salisbury Elementary School students in Allentown as they arrive for school with Corey the Apple (the official mascot of the Lehigh Valley Reads campaign) and meLVin, the loveable mascot of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
“The Million Minute Challenge is an awareness event with a colossal call to action that thrusts reading to the forefront and brings community together”, said Angela Zanelli, campaign director for Lehigh Valley Reads. “The third grade reading milestone is one of the most important indicators of future life success, and we are proud of the work done in collaboration with teachers, families, and partners throughout the Valley.”
Later in the day, representatives from Truist Bank will join Lehigh Valley Reads team members and Corey at Plainfield Elementary School in Nazareth and Panther Valley Elementary School in Nesquehoning for giveaways of books and swag items.
On Wednesday night, Truist Bank and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms will welcome area school children, their families and members of the Lehigh Valley Reads team to the PPL Center for a very special night of celebration before, during and after the 7:05pm game against the Providence Bruins. “The PPL Center will be lit in purple, as some of the other buildings in the downtown area. We want to encourage everyone coming out to the game to also wear purple as we launch a month long initiative around reading,” added Zanelli.
