Contact: Sunitha Bosecker
Marketing Coordinator, Heart of Missouri United Way
573-443-4523 sbosecker@uwheartmo.org
uwheartmo.org
Columbia, MO — October 8, 2025 — Heart of Missouri United Way, in partnership with MU Health Care, will host a special Reading Across America Media Day on Wednesday, October 8, at 12:30 p.m. at Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary School. This event highlights the joy of reading and the importance of literacy in shaping brighter futures for children in Boone County.
Read Across Columbia is a signature program of the Heart of Missouri United Way, providing new books to elementary students throughout the community. This year, over 2,500 will be distributed to local schools, ensuring that every child has access to engaging reading materials at home.
“Books open doors to imagination, learning, and opportunity,” said Talia Jackson, President & CEO of Heart of Missouri United Way. “With the help of MU Health Care and our community partners, we’re proud to deliver these resources directly into the hands of students who will benefit most.”
Alongside the Alpha Hart Lewis Media Day, several schools will also receive deliveries as part of the program; each delivery includes a coupon from Daniel Boone Regional Library. Some schools will celebrate with story time, book readings, and special guests, while others will receive books for classroom and home use. “Supporting literacy is supporting our children’s futures,” stated Dr. Nikki Carter, Director of Belonging and Community Impact, MU Health Care. “We are honored to support Heart of Missouri United Way to help spark a love of reading.”
Participating Schools include:
· Benton Elementary, Blue Ridge Elementary, Eliot Battle Elementary, Derby Ridge Elementary, and New Haven Elementary
Event Details:
· What: Read Across Columbia Media Day
· Who: Heart of Missouri United Way & MU Health Care
· When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
· Where: Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary School, 5801 Arbor Pointe Parkway, Columbia, MO 65202.
· Why: To celebrate literacy and provide new books to elementary students across Columbia.
Media Note:
Media are invited to attend the Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary Media Day on October 8 at 12:30 p.m. Opportunities will be available for interviews, photos, and video coverage with students, teachers, and representatives from Heart of Missouri United Way and MU Health Care.