March is National Reading Month, and Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn is giving away a free bag of popcorn to anyone who logs at least six hours of reading.
Think about it–someone could receive popcorn as a reward for actually doing those readings assigned for a class.
“It’s an easy opportunity to be able to take what I am already doing in college to give myself a small reward,” said Jena O’Brien, junior public relations major from Toledo, Ohio.
This program just started last spring and was a success at all of their stores. There are now stores in three states: Ohio, Virginia and Indiana.
Photo courtesy of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company.
“In 2017, Shirley’s inspired 4,000 participants to participate in National Reading Month, equaling more than two and a half years of reading, non-stop,” said Dan Stanowick, communication director at Shirley’s. “This year our goal is to inspire 24,000 hours of reading among participants at each of our seven stores. We have a long way to go yet, but I think we’ll exceed our expectations again.”
Stanowick also mentioned how the program got started. Shirley Torsell, the one for whom the store is named, was known for her love of reading. Therefore, they started the National Reading Month program to promote reading and literacy.
“College students should participate because reading while eating popcorn combines two of the greatest things you can do in one activity,” said Karen Bontrager, assistant registrar. “Also, calories don’t count if you eat them while reading. Science.”
Beth Weigandt, first-year student from Sidney, Ohio, fills out a Shirley’s reading log. Photo by Kiera Suffel.
According to Youth Service America, an organization that focuses on helping young people find their voice in the world and make an impact on their community, National Reading Month is, “a time to celebrate and accelerate children’s interest in reading, writing and literacy.”
Many faculty and staff promote participating in the reading program.
“It is wonderful to see a community business like Shirley’s participating in National Reading Month,” said Jacqui Slinger, director of academic development services and counselor for disability services. “What a wonderful (and delicious) opportunity for readers from early elementary to college and beyond to be motivated to keep on learning!”
Mary Jean Johnson, library director, described why it can be beneficial to read for fun.
“Reading for fun helps to keep life in balance, akin to exercise or healthy eating,” said Johnson. “For college students, reading for fun can be as important as assigned texts in introducing new ideas, adding to vocabulary, stretching imagination and developing concentration skills.”
Bluffton’s own Associate Professor of Accounting Jason Swartzlander and his wife, Jennifer, own the Shirley’s franchise in Findlay, Ohio.
“We absolutely love this program, and it is rewarding to see the excitement on the kids’ faces when they turn in their reading logs,” said Swartzlander. “We also know this program has life-changing results.”
“Last year a mother, whose child has a reading disability, called our store to thank us for this program. Up to that point, it had been difficult to get her child to read but this program helped her child develop a love of reading.”
Want some free gourmet popcorn? Then set time aside to log your reading to participate in the program.
If interested in participating, download the reading log here or pick one up in the Shirley’s store. The final day to turn in the reading logs in-store to redeem the free popcorn is April 7.
