Volunteers gathered to inspire and instill the reading bug in young boys last Saturday at the monthly gathering of Boys Who D.A.R.E. at the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club. The organization serves as a book club for young boys from 4-17 and aims to enhance boys' lives through reading and writing.
It all began with an Atlanta mother and avid reader Kimberly Boykin in October 2003.
“Through my book club event, I learned the boys stop reading in the ninth grade as they get involved with sports and school activities,” said Boykin, who also noticed that just like her, many women in her book club also had sons. “Boys Who D.A.R.E. came out as a need to make sure that boys start reading at a young age and learn the importance of it throughout their life.”
The program took off with a partnership with the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Camp Creek, and has expanded to include positive male role models and support from the community. The organization and its volunteers also take the boys out in the “field” to expose them to the community and possibilities. The young boys have taken part in programs such Cuts And Conversations, a local program held at barbershops around Atlanta, gone behind-the-scenes at Nordstrom’s to learn the daily routine of a business, and even went to President Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Boys Who D.A.R.E. has helped over 100 boys since it was started, and “the important impact I'm seeing is that it gives these boys self confidence, self awareness and a positive outlook for the future," said Marcus Vassell, board member and volunteer who has been involved for more than three years.
D. A. R. E. stands for Dream. Achieve, READ, and Empower, and to help the young boys reach these goals, the need for volunteers is never complete.
“We would love to have more volunteers to help us in fundraising, event planning, and so much more,” said Boykin, whose long-term goal is to create scholarships for college books. “I want this to be a lifelong process to teach young boys literacy, leadership, and community service.”
To volunteer with Boys Who D.A.R.E., please visit www.handsonatlanta.org
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