Created to encourage students’ love of reading and creative writing, Cobb EMC and Gas South are proud to support the Literacy Week program that local students participated in all last week. The program reached students through in-person events at approximately 35 schools in the Atlanta metro area. More than 15,000 students interacted with authors and illustrators this year.

Now in its 14th year, Literacy Week has impacted over 225,000 students in schools throughout Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, Bartow, and Fulton counties. Gas South, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, joined the program in 2015 as a co-sponsor. New York Times Best Selling Author Brian Lies, and acclaimed authors Suzanne Slade and Laura Humphries participated in the Literacy Week program. Lies has been a part of the program since its inception.

“Investing in literacy is more than just supporting education; it's about empowering students and strengthening communities,” said Carley Stephens, Senior Manager of Community Affairs at Gas South. “Together, Cobb EMC and Gas South are supporting Literacy Week, in hopes that we have a lasting impact that benefits everyone. It's a powerful way for our businesses to contribute to the growth and resilience of students and the place they call home.”

Literacy Week is held the last full week in October. This year, the program included 11 authors and illustrators who shared their books and illustrations with students. Literacy Week is offered to kindergarten through 12th grade students, civic clubs, senior centers, and libraries. To learn more about the community programs at Cobb EMC and Gas South, visit CobbEMC.com/schools and GasSouth.com/giving-back.