Ole Miss Kappa Kappa Gamma Chapter Philanthropy Donates over 250 Books to Oxford School Children
Oxford, Mississippi (September 15, 2017) — A University of Mississippi sorority’s national philanthropy is continuing to support children’s literacy within the Oxford School District (OSD): the local Reading is Fundamental philanthropy and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority from the University of Mississippi has donated over 250 books to help area students foster their love for literacy.
Director of Early Childhood and Reading Development Suzanne Ryals says the books will be used at different book distributions for kids who are in need of books or given to area children who do not have home libraries.
“The books are targeted mainly towards pre-K through third-grade students,” said Ryals, “and we plan to give them out at parent engagement events or family-oriented, community events. We are so thankful for the Kappa Kappa Gamma’s support and willingness to help our local school children develop literacy skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.”
Oxford schools benefit directly from the generosity of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Reading is Fundamental: the school district holds book distribution events throughout the school year in all elementary schools; it’s here where Oxford students have the opportunity to pick out books that they want to read.
Ryals says research shows that kids who self select books, or select books that they want to read, are more likely to read.
Emily Barnhouse, the Reading is Fundamental philanthropy chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma, says the sorority holds fundraising events throughout the school year to support their national philanthropy.
“We collect books during book drives in the fall and spring,” said Barnhouse. “We also help raise money throughout the year that we donate to help local schools purchase books or improve literacy efforts in their schools in some way.”
Reading is Fundamental is the largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization in the United States. The philanthropy aims to prepare and motivate children to read by donating free books and literacy resources to the children and families who need them the most.