United Way Partners with MNSU Mankato for Children’s Literacy Project at Laundromats
Greater Mankato Area United Way and groups at Minnesota State University, Mankato are partnering to expand area children’s access to books by installing bookshelves at local laundromats.
The university’s Community Engagement Office and Sigma Nu Fraternity approached United Way with the idea. Similar projects have been implemented in other communities around the country, as laundromats are adult public spaces often occupied by children.
By putting books in these places that are available for children to read or take home, the organizations aim to increase children’s literacy.
Three area laundromats are participating so far in the “Stomper’s Bookcase” project.
Capstone donated books through the United Way’s Books for Kids program. Lloyd Lumber provided in-kind services, donating the supplies, construction and installation of the shelves. Sigma Nu will be maintaining the regular upkeep and book rotation.
