ESCANABA – There’s a need for volunteers to help elementary students at Bark River-Harris learn to read. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for 21 volunteers to read with first and second graders at the school as part of the Reading Buddies program.

“They spend a half an hour with each class. There are three first grade classes this year and three second grade classes,” said Lori Giuliani with the RSVP Program.

RSVP coordinator Theresa Nelson says the Reading Buddy program makes a big difference in the student lives.

“You might be the only person that that child has that free time with,” she said. “Just that time that you are able to spend with that child can make such as difference in their lives.”

Nelson says a study showed that attendance at school tends to be higher during Ready Buddy days.

The program is held Mondays from noon to 3 p.m. Call 906-786-7080 for more information.

The RSVP also has Reading Buddy programs at Rapid River and Gladstone elementary schools.