News
Junior League Releases Children's Book on Volunteerism
Actress Raven Symone Records the Audio Book
Short Hills, NJ (October 2, 2007) - The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills (JLOSH) is pleased to announce its release of The Littlest Volunteers, the first children's book geared to promoting volunteerism among four to eight year olds.
"Our objective is to introduce the value and rewards of volunteering to young children in a fun and familiar format and to encourage them to think of ways they can give back. Studies show that early hands-on involvement helps establish core values like empathy, generosity and a commitment to community," said Dorsey Grant, president of JLOSH.
In a recent journal article, "The Future of Volunteering: Children under the Age of 14 as Volunteers," it was highlighted that volunteering among children ages 5-14 promotes healthy lifestyle and choices, enhances social development, teaches life skills, improves the community and encourages a lifelong service ethic."
Teachers will read The Littlest Volunteer to their classes and lead discussions on the book's content. Based on student feedback and honoring their wish to help other children the recipient of this year's project is The Valerie Fund for the Millburn Public School District 2nd grade. As part of their project the students will make courage bracelets for the children currently being treated at the Valerie Fund centers. Students will also write notes of encouragement to be included with the handmade bracelets.
For more information and to purchase the book visit www.LittlestVolunteers.org or www.jlosh.org. You may also purchase the book at amazon.com
The Valerie Fund is supported through corporate and foundation grants, special and community events, individual donations, bequests and direct mail solicitations. The organization is located at 2101 Millburn Ave., Maplewood, NJ.