Program provides books for children

PRESCOTT — The spirit of cooperation continues between the community and Prescott Elementary School (PES).

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and Hamilton Haven are working with PES to provide each student in kindergarten and first grade a book to take home over the summer.

“We would like to thank Hamilton Haven and First United Methodist Church for their generosity in donating books for our kindergarten and first grade students, said PES Principal Kimberly Grimes. “We appreciate their support of our students and our school.”

FUMC, located on West 2nd Street in Prescott, is led by Pastor John Noggle.

The books were purchased by FUMC through the Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, a nonprofit located just west of Little Rock and known for its summer camp program. FUMC donated the books to Hamilton Haven, which is coordinating the distribution to PES.

“Hamilton Haven and First United Methodist Church have worked together on community efforts in the past,” said Leslie Hughes, Hamilton Haven Administrative Assistant. “We look forward to helping the children of our community with this project.”

Hamilton Haven is a nonprofit in Prescott which provides emergency, short-term housing to those temporarily displaced. Executive Director Michele Hamilton Rhodes, whose parents were both educators, is thrilled about the partnership.

“Reading was encouraged in our home at an early age,” said Rhodes. “It’s just exciting to see young people reading while growing and developing educationally.”

Volunteers from FUMC and Hamilton Haven are scheduled to meet at PES on May 17 to deliver the books and meet with students.

Rhodes added, “Reading can enhance your confidence, creativity and opportunities. It’s win-win environment for the community.”

“Both our groups continue to focus on serving our community and lifting up its citizens,” said Hughes.