Did you know that for the cost of your morning Starbucks coffee you could provide a new book for Atlanta children? From August 23rd to September 2nd, Georgia State University students and faculty members, as well as the Atlanta Alpha Xi Delta First Book Advisory Board, did just that by hosting a book drive aimed to collect new children's books.
Their goal was to increase readership among low income children as many of these children lack the age-appropriate books necessary to continue their education.
Jumpstart is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping children learn how to read. According to their website, "the number of books in a home is the single strongest indicator of a child's future reading ability setting him or her on a track for success in school and in life."
The books collected in the book drive will be donated to organizations around the Atlanta area including the Jumpstart Program, Child Development Center and the YMCA Head Start Program, which has already received 100 books.
Jennifer Lee, coordinator of the book drive and Alpha Xi Delta member, explains the difficulty of getting books for children from struggling families. "Most of the books that go out to the community are going to children whose families are already struggling," she said. "And if it comes down to providing food and shelter for your child, where will the money for educational resources come from?"
The Atlanta Alpha Xi Delta First Book Advisory Board has taken it upon themselves to fill the houses of low income children all over Atlanta with brand new books. Since November 2005 they have donated over 45,000 new books, making Georgia the Southeast's leader when it comes to donated books. In addition to helping Atlanta, the national organization has donated over 20 million books to hundreds of communities nationwide as well.
The Atlanta Board, led by Marilyn Whitmer, is composed of members of the local Alpha Xi Delta alumnae associations. They raise funds for children in need of new books and sometimes even hold online book drives where just $30 can fill up a whole bookshelf in one child's room. Needy children must meet the 80 percent low income criteria, usually indicated by their school lunch program, to benefit from these book drives.
"The books are to be taken home and placed in the child's own personal library," said Whitmer. "It has been proven that the more books a child has in the home, the better the child will perform in school. We are able to provide a child with something that is theirs, something that is new, and something that can enrich their life."
Whitmer was recognized for her efforts with the Atlanta chapter last December. She received the National First Book Hero Award for her leadership and active participation in bringing literacy to Atlanta children.
Many of these children do not have the same opportunities that other, more fortunate children have. Many of them cannot run to the Harry Potter midnight book release party at Barnes and Noble or go to sleep while their parents read them Cinderella. They do not have the chance to let "a book take them to places they have never been".
Luckily, Georgia State students have the chance to make this happen for some of these children. If they only take a couple of minutes out of their day, in between Facebook chats and piles of homework; or give up one Monday morning coffee to donate a new book, they could help children in Atlanta develop lifelong reading habits.
"It is really important for faculty and staff to get involved," said Lee. "Because for one, it helps get Georgia State University's name out into the community more. Georgia State is really active all over the metro area, but the book drive makes it easy for those who don't have the extra time to volunteer."
Last year, Georgia State University collected only 300 books. This year, however, goals are much higher.
It is important for students and faculty to get more involved in the literacy of Atlanta's children. They deserve a chance to have a bright future and to be the future of our country.
To donate books or buy a new book for a child anywhere in the country, visit www.firstbook.org or www.readfortherecord.com. If you would like to become involved in the Atlanta community as a GSU volunteer, contact the Office of Civic Engagement at the Student Center for more information.
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