The West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services Holiday Children’s Book Drive wrapped up book collections on Dec. 20, 2013, with collections exceeding more than 1,900 books.

The book drive, a collaboration of the College’s Alumni Association and WVU Extension Service’s award-winning literacy program, Energy Express, collects books to benefit low-income, elementary school children.

Energy Express, part of the Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program, will distribute a large portion of the books collected. Energy Express provides learning opportunities and nutrition to children living in rural and low-income communities throughout the state during the summer months, when they are most at risk for falling behind on reading levels – a preventable loss known as the “summer slide.”

Additional collections were organized in Parkersburg and Charleston: College alumna Dr. Cynthia Gissy, division chair of the education and humanities division at WVU at Parkersburg, and Teresa Eagle, dean of Marshall University’s School of Education and Professional Development, reported collecting more than 500 books at both of their locations. Their book collections will benefit McDowell County school libraries and the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg.

The College of Education and Human Services’ Alumni Association would like to thank the following sponsors for their gracious support. Without their generosity the book drive would not be able to help so many children around the state.

• Morgantown Mall, Children’s Play Area
• Black Bear’s Suncrest and Downtown locations
• Healthworks’ Maple Drive location
• 802 Allen Hall, WVU Evansdale Campus
• United Bank’s Cheat Lake, Sabraton and Waterfront locations

The College’s Alumni Association Holiday Children’s Book Drive coincides with the College’s mission to enhance and improve educational opportunities in West Virginia. Last year’s book drive totaled 1,300 books and was distributed by Energy Express Americorps Mentors to more than 50 sites in the state. This year’s collections of 1,951 books surpassed the organization’s expectations.

For more information about the book drive or the College of Education and Human Services Alumni Association, contact Alumni Relations and Special Events Coordinator Mary Beth Sickles at (304) 293-3292 or at Marybeth.Sickles@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

01/09/14

CONTACT: Christie Zachary, WVU College of Education and Human Services
304.293.5703; Christie.Zachary@mail.wvu.edu

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