The West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services Alumni Association WVU Extension Service’s Energy Express will distribute more than 1,200 children’s books to low-income students in grades K-6, thanks to donations from the annual holiday book drive.

A large portion of book contributions will be distributed by Energy Express and will reach approximately 3,000 disadvantaged children across West Virginia. Energy Express, an award-winning summer literacy program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program, provides learning opportunities and nutrition to children living in rural and low-income communities throughout the state during the summer months. Energy Express works with the children when they are most at risk for falling behind on reading levels – a preventable loss known as the “summer slide.”

Aiding in the collection are alumni Sherry and Mike Cunningham and Teresa Eagle, dean of Marshall University’s School of Education and Professional Development. They reported collecting more than 240 books. Their book donations will benefit several counties with high needs in and around the Charleston area.

The CEHS Alumni Association Holiday Children’s Book Drive coincides with the College’s mission to enhance and improve educational opportunities in West Virginia.

Last year, Energy Express AmeriCorps Mentors distributed more than 1,900 books to more than 50 sites in the state.

For more information about the book drive or the College of Education and Human Services Alumni Association, contact Mary Beth Sickles, alumni relations and special events coordinator, at 304-293-3292 or Marybeth.Sickles@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

cz/01/27/15

CONTACT: Christie Zachary, College of Education and Human Services
304.293.0224, Christie.Zachary@mail.wvu.edu

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