Holiday Family Fun -- and FREE BOOKS for Kids -- Read-On Express Dec. 14

Free new books for children, snacks and Christmas stories; a train ride, and an afternoon for kids to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – all part of the holiday season family fun when the Read On Express returns Dec. 14, Saturday, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM at the historic Depot Train Station in downtown Globe. Event organizers invite agencies, businesses and community groups to setup booths with their resource information and a fun activity for the youth and families to visit. To volunteer with this event, or request space for your agency, business or community group -- call or text Arizona Youth Partnership's Charlene Becker at (928)813.1168 or (928)812.0555

or email Charlene@AZYP.org

or call Julie Craig (928) 961-0426 or email JulieC@azyp.org Already a magical space, the historic Depot train station is transformed into Santa’s workshop when the Read-On Express arrives each year, giving AZ children a taste of the North Pole through the magic of dedicated volunteers - and generous sponsors helping provide the fun and surprises. Afternoon events are open to all kids who attend, tickets aren’t required – but to generate some pre-event buzz, many kids will receive free tickets for the Read-On Express distributed in local schools. One of the holiday season’s most festive afternoons, the Globe/Miami Christmas Read-On Express is devoted to children’s literacy for Globe, Miami and San Carlos area children. The Read-On Express is dedicated to bringing the love of reading to all children and to their families. Read-On Globe/Miami is an impressive non-profit collaboration of more than 40 local organizations, government agencies, civic groups, and businesses –united each Christmastime to promote childhood literacy.