Tiaras, tuxedos, and the sound of joyful laughter filled the gymnasium at Walker-Gamble Elementary School on March 29, as more than 80 children and their families gathered for the inaugural Royal Family Ball hosted by Let’s Read Clarendon.
Founded by Linda Jackson in the summer of 2022, Let’s Read Clarendon began with a simple mission: to rekindle a love of reading in children. What started as a weekly storytime in Walker-Gamble Park has since grown into a thriving literacy program housed at Abundant Life Resource Center in Gable, with dozens of children attending weekly sessions that combine read-alouds, board games, and book challenges.
“The idea was just to give kids an outlet to come out and enjoy books, play, and read out loud,” Jackson said. “We started bringing in community members and even authors to read to the children, and it’s just grown from there.”
The Royal Family Ball marked the program’s first formal celebration of its young readers and their accomplishments. Designed as a night to honor families and encourage continued literacy efforts at home, the event featured dinner, dancing, and an awards ceremony recognizing each child’s achievements in reading. Every participant received a certificate and a gold medal.
“To see the kids come up with big smiles on their faces—it was the best moment of the night,” Jackson said. “Some of these children don’t always get recognized in school settings, but they’ve worked hard with us. They’ve improved their reading scores and confidence. That’s worth celebrating.”
The event’s theme, “It’s a Family Affair,” was brought to life by guest speaker Director of Safety and Special Projects Dr. Jacqueline Inabinette of the Clarendon County School District, who encouraged families to prioritize education together. “Her message was about how important it is to get the entire family involved in a child’s success,” said Jackson.
Families embraced the evening’s formalwear theme with style. The Presley family took home the first-place prize in the Best Dressed competition, followed by the Rhodes and Wilson families.
The evening also showcased strong community partnerships. Local chef and New Zion native Tremaine Miller, founder of Miller’s Land of the Seasoning, sponsored and prepared the fish and chicken entrees on site. Parents provided side dishes, and Charleston-based baker Skyler delighted attendees with a dessert table.
The event featured local vendors and partners, including 4-H, Lee County First Steps, South Carolina State University, and the Harvin Clarendon County Library, which will host a “Down Home Days” spring event for Let’s Read Clarendon on April 21.
Since its founding, Let’s Read Clarendon has distributed hundreds of books to children through a unique vending machine program funded by a USC Community Grant. Children earn gold tokens to redeem for new books, encouraging not only reading comprehension, but also a love of owning and caring for their own books.
The organization also partners with Clarendon County’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which provides snacks through its CHIP (Children’s Health Improvement Program).
For Jackson, the program’s success comes from the village behind it. “When the kids see that the community is involved—reading with them, sponsoring events—it makes them feel seen and supported,” she said. “Programs like this are helping the schools. We’re just reinforcing what teachers are already doing and giving kids space to grow.”
Let’s Read Clarendon serves children from New Zion, Turbeville, Gable, and Sardinia. Weekly sessions are held at the Abundant Life Resource Center, located at 13386 US Hwy 301 in Gable, and new volunteers or sponsors are always welcome.
For more information or to get involved, contact Linda Jackson directly at 843-598-8210.
