Elks Lodge Celebrates Literacy with Bayonne Schools

Community partners read to third-grade students and donate books to support reading initiatives.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Members of the Elks Lodge in Bayonne, New Jersey recently visited classrooms in the Bayonne School District to celebrate literacy and encourage a love of reading among young students. The Elks Lodge has partnered with the district's English Language Arts Department to organize read-aloud sessions and donate books to third-grade classrooms throughout the district, honoring the memory of a beloved Elks Lodge member known for her passion for reading to children.

Why it matters

The Elks Lodge's literacy initiative helps inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading among Bayonne's students. Community involvement in literacy development reinforces that reading extends beyond the classroom and helps build enthusiasm for books.

The details

During Read Across America Week, third-grade students across the Bayonne School District welcomed special guest readers from the Elks Lodge, the Rotary Club, and other members of the Bayonne community. Each student received a personal copy of Freckle Juice by Judy Blume, allowing them to continue the reading experience beyond the classroom. The Elks Lodge's annual donation in honor of a beloved member supports the district's literacy efforts and inspires young readers.

  • The Elks Lodge members visited classrooms in the Bayonne School District recently as part of Read Across America Week activities.
  • The Elks Lodge has partnered with the district's English Language Arts Department since 2018 to support literacy initiatives.

The players

Elks Lodge

A community organization that has partnered with the Bayonne School District to support literacy initiatives, including organizing read-aloud sessions and donating books to third-grade classrooms.

Karen Minutella

A beloved Elks Lodge member known for her passion for reading to children, in whose honor the lodge makes an annual donation to support literacy efforts.

Nancy Ruane

The director of English Language Arts for the Bayonne School District, who expressed gratitude for the Elks Lodge's generosity and dedication to the district's students.

Kristy Sugrue

The Bayonne School District's ELA instructional coach, who emphasized the importance of community involvement in literacy development.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply grateful for the Elks Lodge's generosity and their dedication to our students. By taking the time to read with our children and provide them with books of their own, they are helping to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.”

— Nancy Ruane, Director of English Language Arts, Bayonne School District

“When students see members of their community celebrating reading with them, it reinforces that literacy extends far beyond the classroom. Experiences like these help build enthusiasm for books and support the development of lifelong readers.”

— Kristy Sugrue, ELA Instructional Coach, Bayonne School District

What’s next

The Elks Lodge plans to continue its partnership with the Bayonne School District to support literacy initiatives and inspire young readers in the community.

The takeaway

The Elks Lodge's literacy initiative in Bayonne demonstrates the power of community involvement in fostering a love of reading among students. By donating books, organizing read-aloud sessions, and honoring a beloved member's passion for reading, the Elks Lodge is helping to cultivate lifelong readers and support the district's literacy efforts.