The Area Agency on Aging is starting a new program this month that will give many residents of rural areas something they normally wouldn’t have access to.
The “rural reading” program will provide books, blankets and other goodies to participants of the Area Agency on Aging’s homebound meal service that live outside of the city limits in the Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald county areas.
“This program will help people that might not otherwise be able to get out to the library or bookstore,” says Kathy Brust, Nutrition Program Assistant and creator of the program. “Many of our clients may have family and friends that already help them a great deal, but reading usually falls to the bottom of the priority list when compared to other things they need help with.”
Here’s how it works: Each participant will choose the genre of book they want to read and along with one of their meals, a bag will be delivered. The bag will contain two books, a cozy blanket, and some other goodies, such as a bookmark, apple cider mix, and hot cocoa mix. Once they finish their books, they can send them back in the bag with their next request, keeping the blanket and other items.
Book donations are greatly appreciated in order to keep this program going. Financial support for the program is also welcome. If you would like to participate in the program, have any books you would like to donate, or would like to offer support for the program, please contact Kathy at 417-781-7562.
