Julius Thomas, a tight end with the NFL's Jacksonville (Florida) Jaguars, is no stranger to big plays on the field. Off the field, however, he keeps busy by giving back to the local youth community.
His latest endeavor is a partnership with St. Vincent's HealthCare, in the Ascension Jacksonville Ministry Market. With help from St. Vincent's, Thomas will work to collect books for children throughout North Florida, and even read to them himself.
This partnership aligns with a handful of other reading programs St. Vincent's operates. The St. Vincent's Family Medicine Center has a program called Reach Out and Read, which provides books to young children during their primary care visits. The Family Medicine Center hosts an annual event called Read and Romp, which allows children to explore interactive stations with books, crafts and games. St. Vincent's Mobile Health Outreach Ministry also provides children books during their visits to its mobile units for school and sports physicals.
"For us, taking care of our community goes beyond healthcare. We look at what our community needs and feel a responsibility to address those needs. Studies show the earlier children are exposed to books, the better," said Sonya Dominguez, MD, who created the St. Vincent's Read and Romp program 10 years ago. "We are happy to partner with Julius to help encourage kids to read. His desire to contribute positively to our community aligns well with our Mission at St. Vincent's."
Thomas participated in St. Vincent's annual Physicians Golf Tournament at the Timuquana Country Club this spring. At the event, the tight end talked to kids about the importance of reading and how much it means to him. He also signed a few autographs.
"When I think back on the life I have lived so far, I try and focus on the things that enabled me to be successful. I feel the contributing factor of some not finding success and others achieving their dreams is education and, more specifically, reading," Thomas said. "St. Vincent's HealthCare also understands the importance of educating our community's youth and I am happy to partner with them to encourage kids to read."