VIRTUAL BOOK DRIVE BY MORTAR BOARD SENIOR HONOR SOCIETY AT K-STATE MEANS STUDENTS AT FOUR AREA SCHOOLS TO EACH RECEIVE A NEW BOOK
MANHATTAN - Kansas State University's chapter of Mortar Board, the senior honor society, is making it possible for students at four USD 383 elementary schools to purchase a new book of their own.
As part of the Mortar Board Virtual Book Drive Challenge, Mortar Board chapters across the country recently competed to raise funds to bring new books to local programs serving children from low-income families. K-State's Mortar Board chapter raised $3,402.86 in a three-week span. The funds will allow every student at Ogden, Lee, Bluemont and Northview elementary schools to buy a new book. In all, more than 1,700 books will be purchased.
Nationally, more than $23,000 was raised by 45 different Mortar Board chapters. The K-State chapter finished second in the national competition, just behind Hope College. K-State was one of only six chapters to donate a gift large enough to purchase more than 500 books.
"Our ability to raise such a significant amount in a short time frame is a testament to Mortar Board, K-State and the local community's commitment to service," said Molly Hamm, senior in English and secondary education, Shawnee, and service co-chair for K-State's chapter of Mortar Board. "Mortar Board alumni, current K-State students, faculty and staff, K-State alumni, and members of the community were all equally invested in and inspired by the campaign."
The fund drive surpassed Mortar Board's initial goal of raising $10 per member. The group sponsored several fundraising projects, including a lemonade stand and by connecting with alumni, family and friends online.
"We chose the four elementary schools as our recipient group because we felt the largest impact would be felt by these children being able to take home and own new books," said Madison Loeb, senior in philosophy and political science, Leawood, and K-State Mortar Board chapter vice president. "The schools all have many military and low-income families."
The Mortar Board Virtual Book Drive Challenge was done in conjunction with First Book, a national literacy organization that addresses one of the most important factors affecting literacy: access to books.
Mortar Board Inc. is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for their distinguished achievements in scholarship, leadership and service. Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities, and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Chartered in 1928, K-State's Mortar Board chapter received the organization's coveted Golden Torch Award for the fifth time in the last six years this summer. The award recognizes the chapter for excellence and as one of the best chapters in the nation.