| Local
eateries to benefit afterschool programs
Idaho County Free Press Participating eateries throughout Idaho County will be giving part of their day’s proceeds to support local after-school programs in Cottonwood, Grangeville, Elk City, Kooskia and Kamiah. Cuisine for Kids will offer a way for locals to spend money at local restaurants and businesses while also supporting their community’s youth enrichment programs. “This is a way to not only raise some funds for the programs, but also to let the area people know more about them,” explained coordinator Chandra Eimers. Participating establishments will have information on the program that serves their town. Each business will decide what percentage they want to donate. In addition, each location that is part of the fund-raising and awareness event will be listed in upcoming newspaper advertisements that direct people where to dine in their community on May 30. “We are looking for great support from our communities,” Eimers said. Local non-profit after-school programs in the above-listed towns are linked together in a consortium – Centers for Discovery Afterschool Programs -- that has allowed them to apply for the federal U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Centers grants to help run each program. During its first 10 years, 2000-2010, the Centers for Discovery combined programs (those listed above in the five Idaho County communities) offered 157 school year offerings, 22 summer outings, 71 academic course, 61 enrichment courses, 47 family events, 40 reading/literacy activities, 13 mathematics education events, nine science activities, 23 arts and music education programs as well as a variety of drama, cultural, technology and health/nutrition studies. More than 13,800 students were served and more than 6,000 enrolled in full and part-time afterschool programs since 2000. In 2010, 86 percent of goals set forth were met including 78 percent of all academic goals. Current research shows that students who attend after-school programs have better school attendance and work habits, reduced drop-out rates, improved grades, better interpersonal skills and higher quality homework completion. “There are many benefits to having children involved in after-school programs and we want to share that success with our communities and continue to offer the best programs possible,” Eimers said. Those who wish to be included in the fund-raiser (this can include grocery stores who sell deli food, ice-cream and coffee shops, traditional restaurants, gas stations, etc.) can call Eimers ASAP at 983-0990. |
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