New books for students at Lakeview Elementary
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Washington Trust Bank employees distribute books to Lakeview Elementary students Thursday. Each Lakeview student received a free book.
MOSES LAKE — Every single student at Lakeview Terrace Elementary got a new book Thursday morning, courtesy of Washington Trust Bank and its Moses Lake branch.
The employees had sponsored the school as part of the company’s “Magic of Storytelling” program. The program is designed to provide books to kids who might not otherwise be able to have one, and promote interest in – and a love of – reading, wrote Katy Wagnon of Washington Trust Bank.
The company’s “Crew in Blue” delivered books to the school, announcing the gift at morning assembly and then distributing books to every classroom. Lakeview was one of seven schools chosen to participate; the others included George Elementary in George.
“We hope to encourage a lifelong passion for reading,” Wagnon wrote.
The stage was stacked with boxes, and the Blue Crew told the kids every box was full of books and every kid was going to get a book. The Blue Crew members talked about their favorite books – Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dr. Seuss books, and Walter the dog, who has a digestion problem.
The company’s mascot, W.T., gave high-fives to all kids who wanted them, and helped deliver books to every classroom.
Books were chosen by the teachers and Lakeview Elementary principal Kristi Bateman.