826LA is a national organization started by writer, dave eggers that features free tutoring, creative writing programs for kids as well as afterschool workshops that offer kids the chance to express themselves through music, writing or the arts. currently, the 826LA organization numbers 7 brick and mortar storefronts across the nation with one here in our very own backyard, echo park.
yay!
the echo park location of 826LA is known as the time travel mart, with, you got it, a time travel theme. other storefronts are pirate themed, superhero themed - all aimed at kids. tutoring and workshops are held in the back office of each store and the store itself sells time travel supplies.
the volunteers at 826LA are an amazing bunch, really inspiring and nuturing these kids to express themselves in new ways, opening their minds to new experiences as well as preparing them for life with much needed skills such as writing and self confidence. and with the state of education really hitting the skids here in the US, a program like 826LA is an absolute godsend. especially for those families who might not otherwise have access to exposing their children to the arts.
you can volunteer your time or if you have the inclination, your dosh. for more information on 826LA, please do check out their website http://www.826la.org/. you'll also find a calendar of events for the time travel mart in echo park. and if you can, please support this awesome organization - the minds of the future are depending on it!
thanks so much for writing about 826LA!!! it most certainly is a wonderful and unique organization that i have proudly been a part of for over two years.
ReplyDeletelet me just say that we need people for all kinds of volunteering, and first step in getting involved is going to a volunteer orientation to get a feel for what it is we do.
check out the calendar for orientation times. also, we have a venice location (no storefront there, though) so westsiders, we need you too!
again, thanks, shellaine, for spreading the word.