For its seventh annual Day of Action, United Way of Greater Chattanooga will focus on childhood literacy with Read-a-Palooza.
Now in its second year, Read-a-Palooza will offer carnival games with prizes, an inflatable play area, Imagination Library book enrollments and book-related activities for kids and their parents to enjoy. Volunteers will be on hand to read to the children throughout the afternoon.
The event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Hamilton Place. All activities will take place in the mall's Center Stage area.
"Reading is the key to a successful life, but children should know that reading is fun, too," United Way spokeswoman Kelley Nave says in a news release.
Parents with children younger than 5 years old can complete the checkup during Read-a-Palooza. Families who complete the learning checkup will earn a voucher to redeem for a free family pass to the Creative Discovery Museum. Vouchers will be delivered by mail after the checkup is completed and received by United Way.
Activities and participants will include literacy and arts and crafts activities with the Bookmark Fairy, WTCI Channel 45, Read 20, Chattanooga Public Library and the Chattanooga Department of Family & Youth Development; Lexia demonstrations and enrollment; toddler activities with Project Ready for School; face painting with Signal Centers and free popcorn.
As part of the Day of Action's focus on education, people also can become part of the Raise Your Hand movement by enrolling to be volunteer mentors, tutors and readers for local organizations.
All the activities are free. For more information, call 423-752-0300 or visit www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org.