Photos courtesy Ericka Hernandez at United Way Houston

Students attending HISD’s Sherman Elementary School celebrated summer with a hot dog and a book on July 2, as part of the United Way of Greater Houston’s annual “Day of Action.”

The United Way teamed up with Houston Public Media and the Wesley Community Center to host its inaugural “book-nic” (or book picnic) at the Sherman campus that day. This year, the theme was summer reading, and more than 300 families received a free book to take home. Students could also take part in interactive activities, such as the “make your own book” station, and Wesley Community Center staff members offered free grilled hotdogs and other typical picnic fare to visitors. In addition, the United Way set up its Tiny Library, a free lending library aimed at giving neighborhoods increased access to books. Continue reading →