In the heart of Gaston County, a gesture of goodwill aims to nurture the minds of the youngest in the community from their very first breaths. The Catawba Valley Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, in partnership with Gaston County Celebrate America 250, has provided the Gaston County Health Department with 175 literacy bags. These bags were handed over on December 9, 2024, and are designed to be a resource for families in the maternal child health clinic.
The curated bags include a variety of early literacy tools, such as a children's book, a booklet with tips for newborns, a Gaston 250 bookmark, information about the county library's storytime schedule, a coloring book, and crayons. This initiative not only fosters early reading habits but also strengthens the bond between parents and children through the power of storytelling. Stephanie Armstrong, America 250 Chair for the Catawba Valley Chapter and the lead on this project, presented the bags alongside Libby Snuggs McAteer, who represents both the National Colonial Dames XVII Century Honorary President General and the Catawba Valley Chapter. Tiffany W. Thomas, MPH, the Maternal Child Health Administrator at the health department, accepted the literacy bags, as reported by Gaston County's official website.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, efforts like these are part of a larger movement to celebrate America's history and growth. The Catawba Valley Chapter, which itself was chartered on March 14, 1999, in Gastonia and now boasts 57 active members, seems to take pride in engaging with the local community through such acts of service. Their collaboration serves as a reminder of how organizations can come together to impact the lives of individuals—starting from the cradle.
While the donation of literacy bags represents just one of their engagements, the America 250 activity is part of a series of initiatives by the society to prepare for the upcoming sestercentennial. As we inch closer to this pivotal moment in America's timeline, contributions by groups such as the Catawba Valley Chapter affirm their dedication not only to preserving history but also, nurturing the potential that lies within the subsequent generations.
