Even though the conventional thought is that with the access to information online that this was an obsolete endeavor. Our experience has been quite the opposite with many of the kids. For example, Amanda Allord shared her experience while delivering dictionaries this year.

"Each year our lodge uses a grant to purchase and distribute dictionaries to area 3rd graders free of charge. What’s so special about that? Everything!

First and foremost, the kiddos absolutely love them (seriously). I doubted it myself until I saw it with my own eyes. The kids can barely contain their excitement as the books are passed out, and when they are given a ‘this book belongs to’ sticker and are told to put their name on it and stick it wherever they like because it’s theirs to keep, their jaws drop in disbelief. They quickly start exploring the contents of the dictionary and start rattling off definitions, random facts, and even singing when they find the lyrics to a song in the back.

The teachers also look forward to the dictionaries. Many build lessons around them, teaching their students about alphabetizing, word spelling and meaning, and expanding on the facts that are listed in the back section of the book.

Finally, it is a very rewarding task for our members. Those that are interested in helping with the distribution pick a school (or more) to deliver to, arrange a day and time with them, and pass out the books with a short 10-15 minute presentation to each 3rd grade classroom like a literary Santa Claus. Group photos are then taken at the end with the kiddos, their new dictionaries, and their huge smiles to share in our Elkorama newsletter for all to see.

If you would like to help with distribution and see for yourself the joy these dictionaries bring, please see Jim Dehen , Kris Strader, Bill Satre, Herman Wisneski or myself."

The Dictionary Project was founded in 1995 by Mary French of Charleston, SC. It's primary focus is to promote literacy to children in third-grade as they transition from learning how to read to identify and use information. Over the course of the program nearly 15 million third-grade students have received dictionaries including about 2.5 million dictionaries donated in 2009.

The Elks joined this movement in 2004. Nationwide they have donated more than 1.2 million dictionaries to third-grade students and their teachers as sponsors of The Dictionary Project over the last 6 years. 600 lodges actively participate in the program including our Brainerd #615.