Salvation Army kickoffs off A Summer of Stories and Snacks
By: Brittany Taylor
Posted: Jul 1, 2025 / 01:54 PM EDT
Updated: Jul 1, 2025 / 05:03 PM EDT
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — The Salvation Army kicked off its Summer of Stories and Snacks campaign, a program aimed at boosting literacy rates among kids.
Children at The Salvation Army in Bridgeport were filled with joy Tuesday as they picked out books from little red wagons. The organization said once the summer hits and school is out, not everyone has access to books or food.
“It’s important for kids to have a schedule, a regiment, to keep that going and to have a place in the summer where not only are they learning and using their imaginations and growing through reading, but also staying full,” Donor Relations Director Holly Fink said.
With alarmingly low literacy rates among students in Connecticut, A Summer of Stories and Snacks is geared towards making reading accessible and exciting.
“A lot of the time when you see books and you see food you have to pay for it, so once the families find out this is an opportunity for the child to get a free book and something to eat, they’re very happy with that,” said Major Gilbert Parkhurst with The Salvation Army of Danbury.
The program is in its fourth year and has expanded into nine Connecticut municipalities this summer.
Those municipalities include Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford North End, Middletown, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, and Waterbury.
“A well-fed mind means a well fed-body, and through this program children receive both,” University of Bridgeport President Dr. Danielle Wilken said.
If you would like to support this initiative by making a donation, you can text READ to 31333 or visit the Salvation Army’s website.
