Opportunities to donate and volunteer next week could help Delaware County kids learn to read.

The United Way of Delaware County is focusing on childhood literacy during the national Day of Action, set for Thursday, June 21.

Residents can contribute by donating books, or by volunteering to read to youngsters at summer child-care programs within all four public school districts in Delaware County, as well as the Delaware and Powell YMCAs.

At Bagels & Books, set from 9 to 11 a.m. June 21 at the Delaware County District Library, 84 E. Winter St. in Delaware, volunteers will collect books for children in preschool through sixth grade. Residents can pick up a bagel and coffee as a "thank you" on their way out, or stay the entire two hours to help sort and organize books collected.

The books will be donated to child-care programs that aim to keep students learning through the summer.

Volunteers also are needed for reading and art sessions throughout the county from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Any interested residents can sign up to spend one hour reading to children and assisting with art projects at local child-care programs.

The children involved will complete an art activity in which they illustrate a scene or character from their favorite book.

Residents also can sign up to sponsor one child in their community to have an age-appropriate book delivered to their doorstep each month for a monthly payment of $25.

"It's something for that kid to look forward to, and it gets them excited about reading," said Brandon Feller, president of the United Way of Delaware County. "It's a great way to support those families that can't necessarily afford the expense of building their own family library."

To volunteer June 21 or throughout the year, email Morgan Veach at United Way of Delaware County at mveach@ uwaydelaware.org or call 614-436-8929.