Ken Blanchard, Director of Allen County Literacy, last week spoke to the Ada Kiwanis Club about volunteering to be a literacy tutor. He noted the following statistics:

• 50% of the chronically unemployed have poor literacy skills.

• The U.S. Military spends $70 million per year in teaching basic skills to recruits.

• 75% of the U.S. prison inmates do not have a high school diploma.

• It is estimated that limited literacy costs the U.S. businesses and taxpayers $20 billion in lost business earnings, wages and taxes.

He noted with community support we are improving our community the problem can be drastically changed.

He said that anyone can become a member by contributing or volunteering their support.

Volunteers are needed to fill openings on the board of directors as well as the continual need for tutors. Contact the office and help make the Lima region a better place to live, work, and enjoy life together.