A Summer of Stories & Snacks Brings Reading, Lunch and Community to Cranston
CRANSTON, RI — There’s something special about watching a child discover a new book, especially when that discovery is surrounded by laughter and a community that cares.
That was the scene Wednesday at Tasca in Cranston as The Salvation Army of Rhode Island hosted a special Summer Reading Day as part of A Summer of Stories & Snacks with The Salvation Army.
Children gathered for an afternoon centered on the simple joy of reading. WJAR reporter Karah Bailey served as the special guest reader, bringing a story to life for the young audience and encouraging children to discover the adventures waiting for them inside a book.
Jaime Tasca, Customer Relations Manager at Tasca Automotive Group, also read to the children in attendance. The book couldn't have been more perfect for the location; it was called If I Built A Car.
Following story time, the children enjoyed a complimentary lunch provided by Tasca, along with refreshing Del’s Lemonade. Children also had the opportunity to choose a free book to take home, giving them something to continue exploring long after the event ended.
The Summer Reading Day at Tasca is part of The Salvation Army’s fourth annual A Summer of Stories & Snacks with The Salvation Army, a growing initiative designed to keep children engaged with reading while providing nutritious meals, enrichment and opportunities for families to connect throughout the summer.
At each Summer of Stories & Snacks gathering, children are invited to listen to a story, enjoy a meal or snack, participate in activities and receive new books to build their own home libraries. The books are carefully selected to reflect a variety of cultures, languages and perspectives, helping children find stories in which they can see themselves.
The Salvation Army is grateful to Tasca for opening its doors to local families and helping make the Summer Reading Day a memorable experience for children.
From a story being read aloud to the smiles that came with a new book, a good lunch and a cold cup of Del’s Lemonade, the afternoon was a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference.
