Volpe Center Making a Difference in the Lives of Cambridge Kids
The Volpe Center Lunch Buddies Reading Program recently celebrated its eleventh anniversary. Lunch Buddies is a collaborative effort between the Volpe Center and the neighboring Kennedy- Longfellow Elementary School in East Cambridge. Volpe Center employees volunteer their lunch breaks to read to second- and third-graders every two weeks during the school year. Since its inception, Lunch Buddies has attracted 308 Volpe Center volunteers. The program enhances children's interest in reading, exemplifies the school's commitment to early literacy, and provides Volpe Center staff with an opportunity to give back to the community.
At the end of each academic year, individual parties are held for the two classes. The second-graders' party took place at the Kennedy Longfellow School, while the third-graders visited the Volpe Center, where they were treated to a Rail Equipment Crashworthiness Research demonstration, which showed them how Volpe Center projects can make a difference in the world around them as well as how math and science can prepare them for exciting careers in transportation. A parting gift of a book from each Volpe Center buddy ensured a good start to their summer vacations.
Lunch Buddies has been the recipient of many awards, including those bestowed by the U.S. DOT Secretary, the RITA Administrator, the Volpe Center Director, the City of Cambridge, and the Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV). At its annual Awards Program in May 2008, CSV recognized the Volpe Center's long-term commitment to the children of Cambridge with a certificate of appreciation, and the nine Volpe Center volunteers who have been Lunch Buddies for all ten years were recognized for their dedication to the program.
While the students relish the time that they spend with their buddies, Volpe community volunteers are equally enamored with their young charges. As one long-time volunteer said, "This is by far the easiest volunteer program that one can participate in-thirty minutes twice a month-and both the Volpe buddy and the child win. The school year flies by and you realize you have made a difference in a child's life."
Volpe Center reading buddies are always welcome at the Kennedy-Longfellow Elementary School! (
Volpe Center photo)
