Residents encourage local children to read

Nancy McCluskey-Moore

On May 11, SaddleBrooke Ranch residents delivered 36 beautifully made bookcases to Ray School in Kearny. The bookcases were built by Ranch woodworkers Dan Carter, John Gordon, Jef Hansen, Barry Milner, Ron Gustafson, Ed Cheszek, Jim Lindley and Ron Hilbert for distribution to graduating kindergarteners.

For many years, the Rotary Club of Kearny helped to finance and construct the bookcases. The program, which has received annual grants from SaddleBrooke Community Outreach, also provides for each child to receive two books per year (though third grade) to store on the bookcases.

When the Rotary Club backed away from the program, local woodworking/shop class students built the bookcases. Then prisoners in Florence were paid to build them. Finally, SaddleBrooke Ranch residents who enjoy woodworking volunteered their talent and time to build the bookcases and have agreed to do it again next year.

SBCO is grateful to the residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch who so generously contribute their skills and resources to support our various programs.