Donate a Book in May for 'Better Hearing and Speech Month'

As part of national “Better Hearing & Speech Month,” is once again hosting a book drive to raise local awareness of the importance of diagnosing and treating communication disorders and reading problems.

The book drive runs from Monday, May 14 through Thursday, May 31. Books will be donated to Side By Side, a local program that offers practical help to single mothers and families who have children with special needs, by providing material help, mentoring and support from members, and practical help that uses the gifts of the church to meetthe real demands of everyday life. 

Children with weak speech and language skills, as well as those who do not have the opportunity to see and interact with print in everyday situations, often experience problems learningto read and write when they enter school. The experiences with listening and speaking gained during the preschool years are essential to prepare children for learning to readand write in elementary school.

According to Laughlin, children who enter school with weaker verbal abilities are more likely to be at risk for later academic problems.

To help draw attention to communication issues, LCC invites the Sewickley community to consider donating a book in honor of BHSM to the book drive. 

Interested families can drop off suitable for infants, toddlers and preschoolers at either the Laughlin Center at 424 Frederick Ave., or St. at 405 Frederick.

Look for the Better Hearing and Speech Month sign and the brightly-decorated book drop box. All donations will benefit Side By Side, which recognizes “that single parenting and parenting children with special needs is particularly challenging and requires support...”

Families are encouraged to purchase their books at Sewickley’s local book seller, the , 420 Beaver St.

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To learn more about Laughlin Children’s Center and its support programs, call 412-741-4087. For more information on Side By Side, contact Julie McCormick at julie.mccormick@verizon.net.