The Christ Child Society of Cleveland, under the guidance of member Meg Kearns, created a virtual story hour as its annual Week of Service project for 2020. The National Christ Child Society observed the Week of Service Oct. 25-31, 2020. Local chapters are encouraged to customize an event around an existing program or an unfilled need in their community. The 2020 theme was “Energize * Inspire * Engage: Expanding our Reach.”
One of two National Day of Service Awards was presented to the Cleveland Chapter for the project.
The local organization received permission from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Ltd., HarperCollins Children’s Books, Penguin/Random House, Scholastic, Inc. and Simon & Schuster publishing companies to read some of their books online. Fifteen members of the Cleveland chapter recorded two dozen books, which were posted to YouTube. Because of publisher restrictions, the recordings were unlisted but could be accessed until Dec. 30 through a special link. The society shared the link with several parish schools in the Diocese of Cleveland, including St. Rocco and St. Francis, both in Cleveland, as well as Parkview Head Start, Blessing House, University Settlement and Day Care for Future Scholars.
The National Christ Child Society commended the virtual story hour project for “thoughtful planning and outstanding efforts.” The honor includes a $500 prize to help further the group’s efforts to challenge childhood poverty in Greater Cleveland.