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Phi Kappa Phi at Austin Peay State University Seeking Children's Books as Part of Candy for the Mind Program
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
For the seventh consecutive Halloween, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Austin Peay State University is collecting new and gently used children's books for its Candy for the Mind project.
Through this project, the Society distributed more than 1,500 books to community children during last year's G.H.O.S.T. (Great Halloween Options for Safe Trick-or-Treating), the on-campus alternative for safe trick-or-treating. Currently, Phi Kappa Phi has some books on hand for distribution during G.H.O.S.T., slated this year from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25 but needs many more. Since the inception of the Candy for the Mind project in 2003, hundreds of children who trick-or-treat at APSU have been thrilled to receive a book as a Halloween treat.
Dr. Linda Thompson, who started the program when she was chapter president of Phi Kappa Phi said, “Now that it's become a tradition, the children come back to us, year after year, eagerly looking for a book from the ‘book people.'”
Dr. Karen D. Sorenson, current president of the Society's APSU chapter, said, “Phi Kappa Phi's Candy for the Mind is a wonderful project. Whether the child is an avid reader, or a child who has never before owned a book, we want to encourage the love of learning in our community with the gift of a book for every child. Last year, we distributed more than 1,500 books to children from all over Clarksville. We hope we can collect enough books this year so that every child can choose a book of his or her own.”
Collection boxes for new or used children's books have been placed in the Woodward Library, the Kimbrough Building lobby, outside Harned Harned, Room 216, and outside Room B217 in the Sundquist Science Complex. Donated books can be placed in the receptacles through Thursday, October 15.
Financial donations also will be accepted. Society members will use the money to purchase age-appropriate books. A check, made out to Phi Kappa Phi Candy for the Mind, should be mailed to treasurer Carol Clark, executive assistant to the president, APSU Box 4576, Clarksville, TN 37044. Financial contributions for books should be received no later than October 15 so that additional books can be purchased as needed for any age group.
For more information, please contact Dr. Karen D. Sorenson at (931) 221-6246 or Carol Clark at (931) 221-7570.
