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Why would a business “loan” four people to the school? For Nicholas Plastics, it was a business decision. Like most businesses, our success is based on having a qualified, well-educated workforce. The number of job applicants who could not read at the level we needed discouraged us. This year we decided to see if there was something we could do. The Ottawa County United Way Volunteer Center put us in touch with the Allendale Schools and the New Heights Reading Program. Once a week four of us spend one hour working with an elementary student. My student is a first grader. He is smart, works hard and wants to do learn. We read books, do spelling words, and play educational games (usually he legitimately beats me!). I am always nervous before we meet. The teachers are very good about having materials ready for me. He does the work – all I do is encourage and congratulate. Since we started working together in January, he has advanced three reading levels! I’m sure it is not all the result of my working with him, but it is feels good to know that I am making a difference. That’s why Nicholas Plastics is supporting this program. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Allendale Elementary School at 892-3470.