Members Alyssa Raimondo (left) and Emily Garrick are checking the Kids Book Box. Submitted photo

The Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is taking advantage of the church’s location along the route of the Memorial Day Parade.

At 1255 Prendergast Ave., the church is near Lakeview Cemetery, the parade’s destination.

Parents and children who are watching or participating in the parade on Monday, May 27, are invited to stop in at the church and choose a book to take home.

In keeping with the patriotic nature of the day, there will also be an opportunity to register to vote. A bilingual member will be present if assistance is needed.

Inspired by research showing that growing up with more books in their home increases a person’s literacy and educational achievement, the UUCJ Social Justice Committee works to make more books available to children in the Jamestown community by giving them away free.

The committee has “adopted” Fletcher Elementary School’s kindergarten classes, providing each student with three books during the school year. It also provides books to Washington Middle School’s English as a New Language students, who are taught by one of the church’s members.

Last summer a church member built a book box and another donated a bench that are now in front of the church building. The box is filled with children’s books that are free for the taking.

On Halloween children were welcomed inside by costumed parishioners for a Halloween Read and Treat where they could chose a book, receive a treat, do some simple crafts.

For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown, visit jamestownuu.org or visit its Facebook page, facebook.com/jamestownuu.