Due to the success of its Book Buddies program, United Way of Cayuga County is seeking additional volunteers to help out.
United Way is seeking substitute volunteers to fill in for regular Book Buddy mentors at participating schools during the 2025-26 school year.
Launched as a pilot program last year at Genesee Elementary in Auburn, Book Buddies sees adults go to participating schools twice a month to read with second graders during their lunch period to improve literacy skills and attendance rates. Because of the pilot’s success, the program was expanded to include Herman Ave Elementary for the 2025-26 school year.
Speaking to FLX Local Media, United Way Office & Programs Assistant Administrator Sarah Sayles said substitutes could become regular volunteers as the program seeks to expand.
“We get them involved; we have them see what’s going on, and that way next year – our plan is to add another school – we’ll have people who are hopefully interested and ready to go,” said Sayles.
While a specific school has yet to be confirmed, Sayles said United Way is working to add a third elementary school within the Auburn Enlarged City School District to the program. United Way also hopes to eventually expand Book Buddies into other school districts within Cayuga County.
Those interested in becoming a substitute volunteer should contact Sayles at [email protected].
Sayles added that, because the program is unfunded and entirely volunteer-run, United Way is asking for donations of books appropriate for second-grade readers. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way offices at 2 State St, Auburn.
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