Sorority donates 435 books to PCES students

PHIL CAMPBELL — The Muscle Shoals Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority has donated 435 books to the elementary school – one for every student.

Jacqueline Poole, who has been the chair of the book giveaway committee for 10 years, said the sorority has been participating in book giveaways in the greater Shoals area for more than 30 years. In addition to schools, other recipients have included doctor offices, tutoring facilities and Trunk or Treat events. Sorority members have also participated in Christmas parades and First Fridays in Florence.

“It’s a wonderful educational endeavor,” Poole said of the book giveaways. We get wonderful feedback from it. I love the smiles on the faces of the children just priceless.”

“Some of the books are written by members of our sorority,” she said.

Fellow sorority member Katernia Cole Coffey said the giveaways are a great way to promote literacy.

“If a child can read, they can do anything,” said Cole Coffey. “I appreciate the sorority focusing on Franklin County. This is a great opportunity to let people know the other aspect of being in a sorority – and that is community service.”

PCES Instructional Tech Jessica Hamilton said it’s a “wonderful opportunity” for the children.

“We’re very thankful for the donation,” she said.

Counselor Holly Renfrow agreed.

“We’re thankful for such a caring group of ladies, some of whom are retired educators,” said Renfrow. “They have that natural love of reading, reading to the kids as they come through.”

Library media specialist Keslie Scott said the school had its book fair the week before the giveaway, and some some children couldn’t buy a book. She said the giveaway provided an opportunity for each child to have a book.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Scott said. “It’s all about screens these days. I think it’s great to have a physical book to take and keep.”