Writing Program in Kennett Emerges as Unexpected, Yet ‘Mighty’ Lifeline to Many During Pandemic

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Image via Emma Lee, WHYY

A children’s writing program in Kennett has emerged as an unexpected but much-needed lifeline to many during the coronavirus pandemic, writes Ximena Conde for WHYY.

Without offices, the Kennett arm of Mighty Writers, a program that teaches kids how to write, was working out of schools when the pandemic hit. With little to offer to students once classes went virtual, the program shifted focus.

Sara Dickens-Trillo, program director of Mighty Writers Kennett, noticed that many people from the Latino community that the program serves were experiencing a wave of economic trouble, with hospitality workers among the most affected.

So, instead of teaching children how to read and write, the program began distributing food. Each Friday, at West Grove United Methodist Church, the program gives out food, clothes, books, and other necessities that could be of help to struggling families.

However, once the situation improves, the program will shift its focus back to its original mission.

“Right now, we’re just trying to fill their tummy,” Dickens-Trillo said. “If they have food in their tummy, then they can think to do whatever they need to do at school and, hopefully, our program pretty soon.”

Read more about Mighty Writers at WHYY here.

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