Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Three Westminster College student organizations are in partnership with Cray Youth and Family Services in New Castle for "Reading is Leading: The Great Book Drive," Westminster's largest collaborative effort to bring literature to children and teens in need. The goal is to collect enough books to establish libraries in local shelters and juvenile facilities.
Coordinating the drive is senior Spanish major Bryce Beeghley, president of Westminster's Mortar Board honor society. Also involved are senior elementary education majors Genevieve Sieckowski, president of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, and Katie Tomko, president of Westminster's FirstBook chapter.
"Mortar Board's national philanthropy efforts fall under the ‘Reading is Leading' initiative, with chapters organizing book drives all over the country to provide literature for children and teens who perhaps have never read a book," Beeghley said. "Since our national partnership is with FirstBook, it was appropriate to join forces with our local chapter. Kappa Delta Pi is also a helpful partner."
Donations of new and gently-used books for readers from beginner to young adult will be accepted through Dec. 3. Reference books will be accepted if they are geared to youth, but magazines, puzzle books, or coloring books will not be taken.
Drop boxes will be located in local churches and schools, arrangements can be made to pick up large numbers of books, and donations of books and financial support can be mailed.
Beeghley is a son of Randall and Darci Beeghley of Connellsville and a graduate of Connellsville Area High School.
Sieckowski is a daughter of John and Kathryn Sieckowski of McDonald and a graduate of South Fayette High School.
Tomko is a daughter of Ernest and Susan Tomko of Hermitage and a graduate of West Middlesex Area High School.
Contact Beeghley at (724) 415-9484 or email for additional information, to schedule a pick-up, or for mailing instructions.
