Nurtured Pets Employees Read to 2nd Graders at St. Mary's School

New Philadelphia, Ohio –Nurtured Pets employees Derek Cummings and Josh Weirich have teamed up with Ohio non-profit the 2nd & 7 Foundation to promote literacy throughout Tuscarawas County. Based on the idea of giving back to the community, the 2nd & 7 Foundation was
established in 1997 and has since donated over 25,000 books to 2nd grade students throughout Ohio.

With that in mind, the "Tackle Illiteracy" program was created. Each week during the school year, volunteers travel  to different elementary schools  and read to the entire 2nd grade class. After we discuss the importance of reading, we give each child a book that they can take home and read for fun.

Efforts in Tuscarawas County began yesterday at St. Mary's in Dennison. Future readings wiill take place at Claymont and Indian Valley, said Weirich.

About 2nd & 7 Foundation
The 2nd & 7 Foundation is a non-profit organization located in Columbus, Ohio developed around the idea of giving back to the community. This idea was formulated by three former Ohio State University student-athletes who played football for the Buckeyes. Mike Vrabel, Ryan Miller, and Luke Fickell were involved in various community activities while at OSU and shared a passion for helping those less fortunate. Upon graduation, the former Buckeyes felt an obligation to continue their service in the community and help influence kids to practice the basic skill of reading in order to become successful in the future. For more information visit www.secondandseven.com.