As part of its annual Rotary Reads program designed to encourage lifelong reading skills in children and impart an important life lesson, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club donated 366 copies of the book “Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea for each child attending third through fifth grades at Long Neck Elementary School. Children in kindergarten through second grade received a copy of “Hank: The Unhappy Great Blue Heron” by Christine Tomalin, a Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club member. Through a partnership with Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, these books were provided at cost, with a donation total of $3,632.

Each year, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club partners with Long Neck Elementary to bring books to each student. This year’s selections were chosen because of their messages regarding the value of friendship, particularly when one character feels ostracized, and remaining true to friends who are facing adversity.

Assemblies were held for the two age groups, where Long Neck Elementary STEAM teacher Samantha Haas explored the message of “Because of Mr. Terupt,” and author Christine Tomalin addressed the difficulties a lonely great blue heron faces in making friends as presented in her book.

“We are delighted to work with Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club to select books for our student population that encourage their reading and teach valuable life lessons,” said Haas. “The generosity of Long Neck Sunrise Rotary each year is much appreciated.”

Sharon Marshall, Rotary Reads program chair, said, “Our club’s mission is to help the youth of the greater Long Neck area thrive. Helping to instill good reading and life habits in the children at Long Neck Elementary is an important part of this effort. We were thrilled that we were able to use a book published by one of our own members this year, and we continue to be grateful for the generosity and cooperation of Browseabout Books.”

The Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m., Tuesdays, for breakfast at the Ocean Grill II on Long Neck Road. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome. Learn more at longnecksunriserotaryclub.com.