Hundreds of visitors came to the 3rd annual Literacy Luau on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, hosted by the Bulloch County Literacy Council.
The Literacy Luau was held during Read Across America Week at Statesboro High School (SHS). Students and their families were invited to join and enjoy games, food, and prizes.
Crystal Simpkins is the director of the Literacy Council.
"The purpose is to provide access to early literacy resources and books for families," Simpkins said. "We have opportunities to talk to families to let them know the importance of early literacy and how it affects brain development."
As families and students walked in, there was a table where volunteers were handing out leis.
Moving down the hallway of SHS, there were tables from organizations that are a part of the literacy council that each had games for kids to play.
"This is a way for them to highlight their organization as well, but also also, brings it in full circle to being a part of the council and providing the resources for families," Simpkins said.
The members of the Bulloch County Literacy Council are
- Altrusa of Statesboro;
- Bulloch County Schools;
- Bulloch Solutions;
- Child Care Resource and Referral of Southeast Georgia;
- East Georgia Regional Medical Center (Mother/Baby Unit);
- Ferst Readers ;
- Georgia Power Company;
- Georgia Southern University College of Education;
- Kids World Learning Center;
- Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro;
- Safe Haven Statesboro;
- Statesboro-Bulloch County Library;
- Statesboro Family YMCA;
- Village Builders (City of Statesboro)
Bulloch Solutions is the corporate sponsor of the Literacy Luau.
At the end of the hallway, there was a table with popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and macaroni salad. For dessert, volunteers handed out ice cream bars.
Outside, by the door, visitors passed and could make a stop at the Book Bus. Since 2019, the Book Bus has been making stops throughout the community to provide children with free, age-appropriate books.
Providing literacy resources, books, and a good time, the Bulloch Literacy Council and its partners made the third annual Literacy Luau an awesome event.
