Huntington's AARP chapter sponsors read-to-student day

HUNTINGTON -- Dozens of volunteers from throughout Cabell County spent their Thursday mornings reading to children at several Huntington elementary schools.

The event was part of AARP's eighth annual Day of Service, with chapters all across the nation taking part in some kind of community service.

Huntington Area Chapter president Dolores Rozzi said reading to children seemed like the best way to give back, and it also connects the students to adults and seniors in the community.

"I really like reading to our kids," Pastor Chuck Lawrence of Christ Temple Church said. "This generation is going to be a phenomenal generation, and we need to make an investment."

Lawrence, who was joined by Huntington mayoral candidate Bob Bailey and state Sen. Evan Jenkins, among a handful of others, who either read stories or told stories about their lives.

Justin Carpenter, who was there representing delegate Doug Reynolds, said there's no better way to combine generations than by getting into the classrooms and helping.

"It's our current leaders talking to our future leaders," he said. "It's an obligation for us who have already staked a claim in society."

Christ Temple member Hazel Farley, who hasn't read to children since her grandchildren were little, called it a privilege.

"A lot of personal satisfaction, and the children love it so much," Farley said.