One out of four adults in the United States reads at or below the fifth-grade proficiency level, according to some studies.
In Putnam County approximately 14 percent of the adult population reads at a level such that everyday tasks are extremely difficult.
The late Virginia (Sue) Magaw, a former tutor for Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County and resident of Hurricane, was aware of the need to improve these figures.
The Nitro High grad was also a member of the "Silver Haired" Legislature, volunteer for Red Cross, HospiceCare, Putnam County Museum in the Community and Cub Scout Den Mother.
Her estate provided Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County - the organization that helps people 16 and over with basic reading, writing and math skills - with a generous gift.
The family asked that the gift be used for advertising the work done by the Literacy Volunteers and made some suggestions about the format.
A radio station created the 60-second spot, being aired during October and November.
Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County offers free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring in basic reading and spelling, as well as tutoring in math, English-as-a-second-language tutoring and conversational English tutoring for those who do not speak English as a native language.
We hope Magaw's example inspires others to help fund LVPC's important activities.
Putnam literacy currently is always looking for more volunteers. They offer a free training session to give you the skills needed to become a literacy volunteer and aid adults in improving their basic academic skills.
To find out more, call LVPC at 304-757-1550.