Volunteer with Homework Help Club

In the July issue, we featured a story about a group of students, teachers and volunteers who gather at the Hidden Falls clubhouse each Tuesday afternoon during the school year to do homework, have a healthy snack and build relationships. The group began two years ago this past May by two Oak Grove Elementary school teachers who gathered up their classroom libraries and brought the classroom to the students who live in Hidden Falls. Once the school year ends, Homework Help becomes Summer Book Club, a program designed to welcome children to the Hidden Falls clubhouse for story time and to choose books to take home and read.

During the summer, the group meets on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. until noon, and an average of 70 students come to the clubhouse each week. The goal of Homework Help and Summer Book Club is to keep students connected. Whether it’s completing homework, reading books or just playing games, the love and value they receive during this program will hopefully encourage them to do their homework, study hard and remain in school. The hope is that the program will continue to grow each year, providing Homework Help, to hear a story, or to encourage a sense of place for young kids.

Since the initial start date, the library for Summer Book Club has grown from two boxes to thousands of books, all donated by community members. Donations of healthy snacks and school supplies have also poured in, as well as countless volunteers. The club kicked off summer with a party sponsored by Keller Williams, complete with hot dogs, snow cones, books and prizes to encourage students and their families to continue reading throughout the summer. As the summer comes to a close, next week the group will have a water fun day and will collect books from the summer classes.  August 12 will mark the transition to Homework Help Club, which will meet from 3:45-5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons.

Want to Volunteer?

Volunteers for the upcoming school year and Homework Help Club are always welcome. Homework Help Club takes places at the Hidden Falls Clubhouse at 6359 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth, about five miles east of downtown Woodstock. Please contact Lisa Reidy at lisamreidy@yahoo.com or Kristin Guinther at kristinguinther@yahoo.com for volunteer inquiries or if you’re interested in starting a program like this in your area.

Photo via Hidden Falls Summer Reading Club Facebook page.