With the holidays approaching, many consider this time of year to be the season of giving. That is why a group of Drake University students are putting on a book drive to benefit children in the community.
Members of Mortar Board, a national college senior honor society, will be collecting books and donating them to raise money for King Elementary School, located just a few blocks from campus. The book drive will take place Dec. 10-14, with a table set up in the Olmsted Breezeway and a collection box in each residence hall.
Mortar Board is partnering with an organization called “Spread the Care,” which gives money to the school, as well as the organization putting on the book drive for every book donated. Each book is worth zero to five points, based on size and condition, and for every point earned, Spread the Care donates 30 cents to King Elementary and 30 cents to Mortar Board.
Senior P2 Chelsea Cave, president of the Drake’s Mortar Board chapter, plans to make sure as much money as possible goes to the elementary school.
“Our chapter has decided to donate our earnings to the school as well, making it a 60-cent donation for every point,” Cave said.
Cave said Mortar Board decided to do a book drive because many college students have books to get rid of, especially old textbooks. It chose King Elementary to receive the funds because of the school’s dedication to students’ learning.
Cave said King Elementary received a grant this year to begin an after-school tutoring and enrichment program.
“I think the fact that King has put so much time and effort into implementing a program like this truly shows their dedication to the education and growth of the students,” Cave said.
Members of Mortar Board are excited to put on a philanthropic event and gain publicity at Drake.
“I don’t think a lot of people at Drake know about Mortar Board. This will get our name out there, and it’s a great cause,” said senior Nate Bleadorn, a marketing and management double major in Mortar Board.
Cave wants Drake students to know that all books will be accepted, no matter the type, size or condition.
To donate, students simply have to place their old books in any of the collection boxes located around campus. Along with the residence halls, they will also be in Hubbell Dining Hall and many of the educational buildings.
“We are so excited to be able to donate to King Elementary, which upholds the same standards of scholarship, leadership and service which exemplify Mortar Board,” Cave said.
