St. James Children's Center Launches Fifth Annual Read-A-Thon to Benefit Preschool

St. James Children's Center in Islamorada has kicked off its fifth annual Read-A-Thon, a monthlong fundraiser running throughout March that asks students at the nonprofit preschool and Voluntary Prekindergarten program to log books and collect pledges based on their reading progress.

This year's proceeds are earmarked for the first phase of the center's playground expansion, a project aimed at increasing outdoor play space, enhancing safety, adding age-appropriate equipment, and expanding opportunities for gross motor development and cooperative play among the young students the center serves in the Upper Keys area.

"Our Read-A-Thon is one of the most meaningful traditions at St. James," said Amanda Lachowicz, director of St. James Children's Center. "It brings together our students, families and community around the joy of reading, while directly supporting the resources that help our children learn, grow, and thrive every day."

Community members can back a student reader at stjames.rallyup.com/read, where donors have three options: make a flat donation, pledge a specific dollar amount per book read, or contribute to a class or general fund. Event sponsorships are also available through the same page.

Beyond financial contributions, the center is looking for alumni to return to Islamorada and serve as guest readers at St. James throughout March. Those interested in volunteering as a guest reader or seeking additional information can reach the center at 305-852-2161 or by email at childrenscenter@stjamesthefisherman.org.

With three weeks of March still remaining, the Read-A-Thon represents both a literacy push for the center's youngest learners and the opening move in what St. James hopes will be a transformed outdoor learning environment.