July 22-28, 2004

mixpicks

Reading Ahead

When fast-food chain KFC is spoken of, people are usually debating those animal mistreatment rumors, or salivating at the thought of fluffy biscuits. Rarely does the issue of literacy come to mind. But the Greater Philadelphia owners and operators of KFC restaurants are collaborating with area churches to promote and increase reading in homes, especially by children. Created in 2003, Grab Some Knowledge is responsible for providing books to 24,000 children in Boston and Philadelphia. This year, the program will kick off its 2004 campaign at the Greater Bible Way Universal Church in West Philly during the church's Family and Friends Cookout Day. Jaguar has been confirmed to appear, reading her work (and possibly performing). Tri-state celebrities Monique Braxton (NBC 10) and Damon Williams (Daily News) will be on hand to read excerpts from books that motivated and inspired them along the way. "When I saw a company that invested in reading, I was all for participating," Williams said. "I hope it's a mutually beneficial experience." In addition, the Free Library of Philadelphia will be giving out prizes while signing folks up for library cards, and distributing swanky summer reading material. Not to worry if you can't make it out on Sunday, as over 50 area churches will be collecting new or used books. And of course, KFC will be dishing out that finger-lickin' chicken! Yummy!

KFC Grab Some Knowledge Kickoff, Sun., July 25, 1-3 p.m., free, Greater Bible Way Universal Church, 1461 N. 52nd St., 215-877-1400.

—Deesha Dyer