Volunteers for Literacy Habersham

09/12/2025

We love going to Baldwin Elementary each year to give dictionaries to third-grade students there. Former board member and outstanding volunteer, Ms. Beth Carter made an excellent presentation to the students, which included a rap with the chorus "We're the Class of 35!" that the students repeated. It was great having principal Rodney Long join us!

09/09/2025

September is Georgia Literacy Month which supports literacy across our beautiful state. To recognize and support this effort, VFL presents dictionaries to third graders in each of Habersham's eight elementary schools during September. Third grade is the time when children progress from learning to read to reading to learn, making it the perfect time for them to start using dictionaries.

Today we were at Demorest Elementary where board member Dr. Judy Sneller donned her cap and gown and talked with the kids about the importance of learning, staying in school and finding a job they love. In addition to the dictionaries, each child received a blue writing pen inscribed in orange (Raiders' colors!!) with their graduation year - 2035!

04/09/2025

Thanks to all our VFL board members and volunteers, including our ELA students and their families who volunteered with First Presbyterian Cornelia Food Distribution on Saturday!! LOTS of food given to those who are in need!

04/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ALxRKqbCW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham prepares for effective change through events such as the Duck Race in Clarkesville, Georgia.

06/07/2024

Last week we gave away books to kids who attended the Clarkesville-Habersham Public Library and Cornelia Library Summer Reading Kick-off event. It's a great way to encourage kids to read and add to their libraries during the summer!

On June 18 and 19, we will give away books to kids participating in Habersham Schools' Summer Meals Program. Each child will receive five books to take home and enjoy over the summer.

05/03/2023

Thanks to all Woodville Elementary School parents who purchased 12th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race tickets in the student pick-up line yesterday. It was cool and windy, but we had a great time meeting many of you.

PREP Para-pro Carly Gerrard was an outstanding as the VFL DUCK OF THE DAY as she strutted around and engaged parents. Thanks so much, Ms. Gerrard!!! You are a great sport!

And many thanks to Principal Bob Addison for his support of our literacy efforts.

05/02/2023

Only 19 days and counting until some lucky duck will win $1,000 in the 12th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race!!! Tickets are $5 to adopt one duck, $20 to adopt 5 ducks or $100 for 25 ducks!

Get YOUR ducks in the race today by going to https://www.vflhabersham.com/duck-race-tickets.html .

If your adopted duck crosses the finish line first, you win $1,000!!!
Second duck to cross wins $500!!
Third duck to cross wins $250!

Don't be left out! Get your ducks TODAY!!!

05/01/2023

The Dec-a-Ducks are coming!!! We can't wait to see what our sponsors and supporters have created this year and we know you can't, either!!! Check back on Saturday, when you can start voting for your favorites for the People's Choice Award!!!

You can see the duck in-person after Friday, May 5 at Cornelia and Clarkesville Libraries.

Check out past Dec-a-Ducks below and while you're here, please support literacy by getting your duck(s) in the race and clicking on
https://www.vflhabersha.com/duck-race-tickets.html - YOUR duck could win $1,000, $500 or $250 for you!!! $5 each or 5 for $20!!!

04/28/2023

A big THANK YOU to Principal Georgia Pitts at Clarkesville Elementary School for inviting VFL to sell 12th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race tickets in their student pick-up line on Monday May 1st. Our cute yellow duck costume is ready to be worn by some lucky staff member to help remind kids and parents that literacy ROCKS!!!

Another big THANK YOU to Fairview Elementary Principal Michelle Wilbanks for allowing us to sell there last week and to all parents who supported VFL literacy efforts by adopting ducks to race for them.

Get YOUR ducks in the race by going to https://www.vflhabersham.com/duck-race-tickets.html

04/25/2023

It was a tremendous pleasure this morning to receive a $2,500 donation to our 12th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race from Peach State Federal Credit Union on behalf of Cornelia Elementary Principal Mary Beth Thomas. Thank you does not begin to express the depth of our gratitude for this gift which will go far in helping us carry out important literacy programs that benefit so many in Habersham County.

04/14/2023

Today was a day to "get our ducks in a row," or more precisely, into the correct box. VFL Board members, duck race volunteers and about a dozen of our English Language Learners gathered at the Habersham County United Way where our ducks are stored in their warehouse. Volunteers went through approximately 2500 ducks that were gathered after last year's race, washed, sun dried and put in plastic storage bins, and dropped them in the appropriately numbered boxes to ready them for this year's race.

As duck race tickets are sold, the ducks that match the number on the tickets are pulled from their boxes and placed back in the plastic bins. Come duck race time, the ducks in the bins go into the huge duck cage, with help from Georgia Power, hoisted high over the 197 bridge. Then, at 2 p.m. they drop into the Soque River and race for their lives!!!

We hope YOUR duck will be one of the ducks that will swim on May 20 on Mountain Laurel Day!!!

Click here to purchase your 12th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race entry! https://www.vflhabersham.com/duck-race-tickets.html

Many thanks to all who helped today and to Habersham United Way for allowing us to store our ducks in their warehouse year around!

03/12/2023

The 12th Annual Volunteers for Literacy Rubber Duck Race is ready to Roll!!!!

Get you tickets today by scanning the QR code below. Or you can purchase at Cornelia and Clarkesville Libraries, A to Zinc Health Store and Smoothie Bar, Elizabeth & Company Resale Treasures or from any VFL board member.

Support literacy your Hometown Habersham Duck Race and you could win
$1,000 if your adopted duck is FIRST to swim across the finish line.
$ 500 if your adopted duck is SECOND to swim across the finish line.
$ 250 if your adopted duck is THIRD to swim across the finish line.

Inflation has NOT caused ticket prices to increase! They are still
$5 each, 5 for $20 or 25 for $100. Get YOUR duck in the race today!!