Teens will trick-or-treat for books
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By CANDICE NOVITZKE
candice.novitzke@lee.net
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 5:37 PM CDT
Amber Barkley and other members of the National English Honor Society Cardinal Chapter will be trick-or-treating this year. But don’t be ready for them with candy.
They’ll be trick-or-treating for children’s books to make sure some Chippewa County parents can give their children a special gift this holiday season.
Barkley, a Chi-Hi senior, is spearheading an effort through the NEHS Cardinal Chapter to collect as many books as possible for the Chippewa Valley Literacy Volunteers Christmas book drive.
The books will be given to inmates in the Chippewa County Jail, who then read the books and record them on tape. The tape and book are then mailed to the inmate’s child or children for Christmas.
“Because the inmates don’t see their children, I think it’s a great gift for these kids to be able to hear their parents’ voice on Christmas,” Barkley said.
This is the third year she has been involved in the society and its book drive, but the club has always collected books in November for the project. Barkley came up with a way to make a drive an even bigger success this year.
“I thought it would be cool to expand that book drive,” she said. “In previous years, it’s only been school-wide, so, we’re bringing it to the community now.”
By starting to collect books earlier, Barkley hopes they’ll be able to collect more than the 200 collected last year.
At least six members of the group will be trick-or-treating Friday on the West Hill for new books and monetary donations to buy books. There will be a drop-off box at the Chippewa Falls Public Library from Thursday, Oct. 30 through Monday, Nov. 3 for anyone who wants to contribute books but doesn’t live on the West Hill.
Members of the honor society as well as CV Literacy Volunteers say the more books collected, the better.
“They’re so grateful we’re doing this,” said volunteer Barb Walk. “It’s so well-received.”
In early December, volunteers bring the books to inmates who want to participate in the program and help them record themselves reading it. Walk has volunteered with the program for seven years now, and says each year inmates who participate have a chance to give feedback.
“Some said, ‘This will be the only gift my child will get (from me) this year.’ Others say, ‘This will keep me in contact with my child,’” Walk said. “ The program is as rewarding for us as it is for them.”
Members of the National English Honor Society Cardinal Chapter will be trick-or-treating Friday on the West Hill for new books and monetary donations to buy books. For anyone who wants to contribute books there will be a drop-off box at the Chippewa Falls Public Library from Thursday, Oct. 30 through Monday, Nov. 3.
Also on Friday, 4-H teens will collect canned goods, dry mixes, cleaning supplies, toiletries and non-perishable goods for the Salvation Army Food Pantry from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Chippewa Falls. Info: Jackie Johnson at 726-7950.
Book donation guidelines
-- New books only.
-- Baby or board books are needed most, then books for toddlers and first- through third-graders.
-- Think in terms of kinds of books that are fun, good pictures, not too much text and with a good lesson.
-- Kids love books that are popular right now, like Clifford.
-- Books are also needed for older children and teenagers.
Source: Chippewa Valley Literacy Volunteers
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