With school back in session and many children surrounded by unprecedented technology, there’s still no substitute for a good book. We know reading is an extremely important component of childhood development, and some Fort Worth seniors are continuing a tradition they began in 2012. Around 30 residents of The Stayton, an area senior living community, regularly volunteer their time through the Fort Worth Opera Children’s Opera Theatre, which combines reading and the opera to develop the minds of young kids from Title I schools.
For these seniors, giving back is a way of life. Resident Mary Pencis, who’s a member of the Fort Worth Opera Board, lit the spark that turned The Stayton into volunteer central.
“We’re engaged, involved and loving every minute of it,” she said. “These kids mean so much to us, and we’re very passionate about reading to them.”
Each child also receives a copy of the book being read (either in English or Spanish) and, to date, the group has given away more than 2,500 books this year alone.
