Pathfinder Services Holds Dedication Ceremony for Greta's Reading Corner at Kids Kampus
HUNTINGTON, IN - Pathfinder Services held a dedication ceremony for Greta’s Reading Corner this morning at 10 a.m. at Kids Kampus, located at 435 Campus Street in Huntington.
Greta Schenkel was 3-years-old when she attended Village School in a pre-school class for children with disabilities. Greta continued to be involved in and served by Pathfinder Services until she passed away at the age of 47 this past August.
One of Greta’s greatest loves was being a ‘professional’ volunteer at Kids Kampus. During her 20+ years of volunteering, Greta would sit on the floor with the kids and read to them every day. She loved the children and they loved her!
When asked why it was important to Greta to volunteer at Kids Kampus and read to the kids, Greta’s mom, Sally, says,
“They paid attention and I think she really appreciated that. She felt needed and wanted, which was not the norm for people with disabilities at that time. She knew that she was doing something good.”
Following Greta’s death, memorials came in to Pathfinder Services in honor of Greta. In consultation with Greta’s family, it was decided to create Greta’s Reading Corner in each of the 15 classrooms on the campus. Each room now has child-sized furniture, a bookshelf, and a plaque in honor of Greta in one corner of the room.
“As soon as we set up the furniture in Greta’s Reading Corner in the classrooms, the kids immediately gravitated to it because they loved that things were their size,”
says Elizabeth Hire, Kids Kampus Administrator.
“We are so grateful for the donations and thrilled that we can honor Greta in such a meaningful way.”
Greta’s parents, Kent and Sally Schenkel, also donated a very special book to each room during the dedication. The book is titled “To Let You No: Its Okay to be Different” and was written by Sally about Greta’s life.
“Our family is so thankful to everyone who helped create this beautiful tribute,”
says Sally.
“Greta would be so happy!”
For additional information, contact Nicole Hahn at 260-355-2546 (office), 260-519-3837 (cell), or [email protected]