Sanford Luverne Receives Community Contribution for Reach Out and Read Initiative

Minnwest Bank in Luverne, Minn., along with a match through the Federal Home Loan Bank, has donated $10,000 to Sanford Luverne’s Reach out and Read program. 

The donation helps secure books for Sanford Luverne to purchase and distribute at well-child visits. Each child receives a book at their well-child visits from the age of six months to 5 years old.

“We are thankful for the continued partnership with Minnwest Bank to continue the Reach out and Read program in Luverne,” said Tracy Schultz, Sanford Luverne Clinic director. “This generous donation will cover the purchase of books for a few years. Our providers look forward to the opportunity to give pediatric patients a book to encourage healthy development and learning habits.”

The Reach Out and Read program promotes early literacy and school readiness by building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers. The program seeks to help develop critical early reading skills in children six months to 5 years old, or when they start kindergarten.

“At Minnwest Bank, we believe that strong communities start with strong foundations, and there is no foundation more powerful than literacy.” said Melissa Fick, market president of Minnwest Bank in Luverne. “Supporting organizations that help children learn to read is an investment in our future."

During preschool years, children served by Reach Out and Read score three to six months ahead of their non-Reach Out and Read peers on vocabulary tests. These early foundational language skills help start children on a path of success when they enter the school setting.

For more information about Sanford Health in Luverne, visit SanfordHealth.org keyword: Luverne.