Newton - With some 40 contestants divided into three-member teams, and with prizes and plaques donated by numerous local businesses, Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County held its first “Scrabble Tournament for Literacy” on April 29 at Christ Episcopal Church in Newton. The tournament raised funds to develop curriculum materials, train tutors, and to aid the literacy efforts of those in need in Sussex County. Funds raised will help Literacy Volunteers “continue to provide free, one-on-one, confidential tutoring to adults based on their individual needs and goals,” said Suzanne Boland, executive director of the organization. “Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County will also continue to increase its training of volunteer tutors to those in need to acquire basic literacy (reading, writing, job-related and life skills) and provide English training for those in need of English as a second language (ESL) proficiency,” she added. The event drew people from all walks of life to aid the non-profit group in its attempt to increase the literacy and English-speaking skills of many residents in need scattered throughout Sussex County. Participants in the tournament, board members, and judges viewed the tournament as a metaphor and as vehicle for social reform. Many expressed hope that the tournament will evolve into an annual event. Local businesses that donated prizes and plaques include Selective Insurance, Turn Key Environmental, Oraton Custom Products, Tri-State Rentals, Perona Farms, Olympus Gym, the BJ’s Store in Succasunna, The Book Shelf of Newton, The Book Center of Byram, Ronetco ShopRite, Weis Food Stores, and other cafes and businesses.