The St. Bonaventure International Education Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi, held a book drive during the men’s basketball game this past Saturday.
The book drive raised many books for children in need in the Olean and Allegany communities, according to senior Brianna Wilson, Honors Society student co-president.
Jeff Dempsey, the society’s co-president and a senior education major, was very pleased with how the event played out.
“I think the book drive went very well. We were able to collect a lot of books from students, teachers, and community members. Between word of mouth, the notice board, and a press release, the drive was well advertised and it shows by the amount of books,” Dempsey said. “The biggest reason it went well was due to the generosity of so many great people that were willing to donate books and help local children and literacy programs.”
According to Dempsey, the book drive was extra special for him being that he is an education major.
“My favorite part is knowing that I helped make a positive impact on local children and the community,” Dempsey said. “As an education major I have gotten to work with some of the local children who will benefit from this, so knowing that I can continue to help them while not in the classroom is something special.”
Dempsey also commented on the satisfaction that came with giving back to the community through this event.
“It always feels good helping others and making a positive contribution to the community,” Dempsey said. “Providing local students with these books will give them more opportunities to learn and grow, and it is rewarding to know that I played a part in helping them with that.”
With the success of the book drive, the honors society also plans to hold similar events in the future.
“Kappa Delta Pi does an annual Literacy Alive! Event, as part of our national charter,” Wilson said. “Our Xi Nu Chapter is looking forward to expanding our involvement with Literacy Alive! this year by coordinating two events during this Spring Semester. The book drive was our first event of the year.”
Dempsey also hopes that the honors society will be able to hold more charitable events in the future.
“Kappa Delta Pi deeply believes in service and giving back to the community, so we are always looking for ways to leave a positive mark. This book drive was very successful, so we would definitely think about doing it again in the future,” Dempsey said. “We are always looking for any way that we can promote literacy and provide opportunities for local children to become more educated.”
