Boscov’s employee Jennifer Dobitas reads to seven-year-old Thomas Readler during a story time on Saturday afternoon in the downtown Wilkes-Barre store’s toy department.
                                 Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

Boscov’s employee Jennifer Dobitas reads to seven-year-old Thomas Readler during a story time on Saturday afternoon in the downtown Wilkes-Barre store’s toy department.

Geri Gibbons | For Times Leader

Boscov’s welcomes kids, parents to monthly event

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WILKES-BARRE – Seven-year-old Thomas Readler accompanied his family on a shopping trip to Boscov’s on Saturday, but instead of simply following after the adults as they completed their purchases, Thomas got a chance to hear a story and do some coloring in a special area of the children’s department.

His fun was made possible by a monthly activity held at Boscov’s throughout the region, which brings volunteer readers together with young customers for an hour of learning and enjoyment.

Although readers for the activity often come from local organizations, including the Osterhout Library and the United Way, on Saturday store employee Jennifer Dobitas stepped in to help.

Dobitas said she couldn’t have enjoyed herself more and was likely to volunteer again, selecting books that included “Goodnight Moon,” “The Very Busy Spider,” and a “The Cat in the Hat.”

When Dobitas asked Thomas which was his favorite, he didn’t hesitate. “The book about the spider,” he said.

“That’s right,” Dobitas said, smiling.

The reading activity was followed by coloring time, during which several other youngsters joined Thomas in working on pre-printed coloring sheets.

Thomas chose Paddington Bear, selecting reds, blues and yellows for coloring the chubby bear.

Thomas’ father, also Thomas Readler, said his son often comes home from school, hoping to play school with his parents all over again, so he wasn’t surprised the youngster was thoroughly enjoying listening to a story and doing a bit of reading himself.

Assistant manager Mina Hailstone said the activity was a corporate one, which exemplifies company chairman Jim Boscov’s commitment to family and to community.

“Coming to Boscov’s isn’t simply shopping,” she said. “It should be an experience.”

Hailstone said the activity is crafted for parents to remain with their children, so it sometimes provides a bit of family time during an otherwise busy day.

The monthly activity started in November and is slated for 2 p.m. every first Saturday of the month through June.

“We carry books in our toy department,” she said. “So, it’s also a chance for children to purchase a book that will become a favorite.”