CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY LAUNCHES “RAISING READERS”
WHERE KIDS READ TO SHELTER ANIMALS!
The innovative literacy program is sponsored by Raising Cane’s restaurant.
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston Animal Society is proud to announce the launch of “Raising Readers,” a program designed to promote literacy in children while offering comfort to animals awaiting adoption. Sponsored by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, the program officially kicks off with a launch event on Thursday, July 25, at Charleston Animal Society.
Raising Readers invites children ages 5 and up to read aloud to shelter animals in a calm and supportive environment. The goal? Help young readers build confidence and fluency — while reducing stress in shelter pets who crave soothing human interaction in an otherwise hectic environment.
CALLING ALL READERS
Shelter life can be overwhelming for animals — filled with a constant buzz of unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. But when a child settles in beside them with a book, something magical happens. The noise fades. The stress melts. And a calm, healing moment is shared between child and animal.
“Our shelter pets love the company of children reading to them. The soft voices and gentle presence of young readers help soothe animals who are often scared or anxious in this environment,” said Charleston Animal Society Chief Education Officer De Daltorio. “And for children, it’s an incredibly rewarding way to practice reading skills in a completely judgment-free space.”
How It Works:
- Sessions are 30 minutes long
- Available Monday–Friday, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Open to children ages 5 and up
- $5 per session — includes special Raising Cane’s swag
- Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- All participants must watch a short orientation video before visiting
WHERE LITERACY MEETS COMPASSION
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of reading out loud to animals. One study showed children who read aloud to animals for just 10 to 15 minutes per week show a marked improvement in reading proficiency. 75% of parents reported their children read aloud more often — and with greater confidence — after taking part in programs like this one.
As the proud sponsor of the Raising Readers program, Raising Cane’s is helping make each reading session special. Every child who participates will receive fun Raising Cane’s swag.
“Reading to animals not only helps kids improve literacy but also teaches empathy, patience, and compassion,” said Raising Cane’s Area Marketing Leader Jordan Halfon. “Raising Cane’s is thrilled to be a part of a program that is making life better for children and animals.”
PROGRAM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES FRIDAY
The media is invited to the Raising Readers Launch Party on Friday, July 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event is already filled and will include kid-friendly activities, story time with shelter pets, frood from Raising Cane’s, and photo opportunities for those in attendance.
Whether your child is a bookworm or just beginning to sound out words, the Raising Readers program offers a unique, fun, and impactful way to build literacy — while making a shelter pet’s day a little brighter.
To sign up for a reading session, or view the orientation video, visit CharlestonAnimalSociety.
