13abc.com: Breaking News, Weather and SportsMaking a Difference: Tutoring at Walbridge Elem.

Making a Difference: Tutoring at Walbridge Elem.

Words can not describe the impact Karin Smigelski is making on these two first graders.

Every week the students look forward to this one on one connection. Smigelski is their tutor.

She tells 13abc, "I really enjoy it, I enjoy getting to know the kids, making a difference in the community and watching the kids grow."
   
Smigelski has been tutoring students here at Walbridge Elementary for 5 years.

She tells 13abc, "I started at Brooks and they said there was a need for tutors and if we were interested so I signed up."

Brooks Insurance is located in downtown Toledo. The company allows its employees to volunteer through Partners in Education on company time before or after their lunch hour.

Becky Spencer is the Executive Director with Partners in Education. The organization and United Way have teamed up to recruit 5-thousand tutors for kids Toledo.

Spencer tells 13abc, "Sometimes its good for kids to have individual or small group attention and the opportunities to work with them on smaller projects, one on one or two on one with an adult helps them to retain and learn the information. "

"Its good for kids and kids need the extra support and the time from caring adults to help them get to that next level."

Smigelski says she finds fulfillment in spending an hour with students each week.

She tells 13abc, "Watching them grow throughout the year and the excitement that I see with them they really enjoy it."

That's why the United Way of Greater Toledo nominated this terrific tutor for making a difference Monday.

If you have just one hour you can make a difference in the lives of area children.

For more information on how you can sign up to tutor or become a reader call 2-11.