Lastinger Center for Learning Logo

Riverview, FL – Peoples Gas and Tampa Electric (TECO) and the UF Lastinger Center for Learning’s New Worlds Reading Initiative hosted a Family Literacy Event on Thursday, Jan. 30, at Warren Hope Dawson Elementary School in observance of Celebrate Literacy Week.

Attendees enjoyed a bilingual read aloud, reading activities, and meet and greets with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Local students and their family members received a free copy of Hello Ocean (or, in Spanish, Hola Mar) by Pam Muñoz Ryan and a copy of The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier to enjoy at home.

“Peoples Gas and Tampa Electric are proud to promote children’s literacy with New Worlds Reading,” said Kandi Floyd, director of external affairs for Peoples Gas. “Programs that help children learn and grow are how we build strong communities for future generations of Floridians.”

Attendees enjoyed a bilingual read aloud, reading activities, and meet and greets with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Local students and their family members received a free copy of Hello Ocean (or, in Spanish, Hola Mar) by Pam Muñoz Ryan and a copy of The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier to enjoy at home.

Several donors from TECO and staff of New Worlds Reading standing with a costumed Clifford the Big Red Dog, holding a sign sponsored by TECO that says "Illuminating the Future for Young Readers."

“We’re grateful for TECO’s unwavering support of New Worlds Reading,” said David Bryant, development
director for New Worlds Reading. “Together, we can empower Florida’s next generation of readers as they strengthen their literacy skills and uncover a love of books.”

A group photo of children, donors, read aloud staff, and Clifford the Big Red Dog at a New Worlds Reading public family event.
About New Worlds Reading:

New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free at-home program that helps eligible VPK – 5th graders strengthen literacy skills and spark a lifelong love of reading. Enrolled children receive 9 free books that they choose each school year through fifth grade, along with reading activities and resources families can use to help build kids’ reading skills. Books and materials are available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and braille. New Worlds Reading is administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. Book titles are selected in partnership with the Florida Department of Education and Scholastic.

Families interested in receiving books and reading activities from New Worlds Reading can apply at www.newworldsreading.com.

Florida companies interested in earning dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to support the state’s young readers can learn more at www.newworldsreading.com/fl/en/donations.html.