This is the October 2025 edition of a newsletter from the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a service organization. It is titled "Service Driven" and focuses on the chapter's programming and community impact. The document is intended for chapter members and stakeholders to review recent activities and future goals. The newsletter opens with a table of contents and a section…
This is the October 2025 edition of a newsletter from the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a service organization. It is titled "Service Driven" and focuses on the chapter's programming and community impact. The document is intended for chapter members and stakeholders to review recent activities and future goals.
The newsletter opens with a table of contents and a section called "Building Momentum: Programming in the Fast Lane," which discusses literacy challenges. It reports that nearly 2 in 3 children are not reading at grade level by age 10 and emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to students in grades 3-5. The chapter aims to address book deserts and resource shortages in local communities.
A major feature is the "Jubilee Festival and Literacy Initiatives," a partnership with Historic Columbia. The event included a Kid Zone with STEM robotics demonstrations, a book giveaway, smoothie-making for healthy choices, an opera read-aloud, and a civil rights mural project. Partners listed include Riverbanks Zoo, SC ETV, and Auntie Karen's.
The newsletter details "Connect Five Smart Goals" for the school year. Goal 1 is to provide read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students at Carver Lyon. Goal 2 is to distribute 750 age-appropriate books to students in grades 3-5. Progress is tracked by counting students served, sessions held, and books distributed.
Other sections cover Services to Youth, Health and Human Service (a walk), International Trends (including a Peace Pole installation for International Peace Day and a letter exchange with a school in Nairobi, Kenya), National Trends and Services (voting), and The Arts (an art contest). The document also salutes "Driving Force" Alumna Members and includes a calendar.