Profiles in Civic Engagement: Athletes for Charity at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School

On March 21, students at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School were able to share in the joy of reading thanks to a dedicated group of Binghamton University students. The distribution of over 500 new books was the second event coordinated by BU Alumni Cathleen Laporte, founder of Athletes for Charity, in an effort to benefit the youth of Binghamton.

 

Binghamton University students from Hinman College and members of Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity held a series of book drives on campus in order to fundraise and purchase the books that were delivered to the Woodrow Wilson Elementary students. In addition, they were able to secure donations from Binghamton University faculty members and local businesses such as Innovation Associates, Inc. Hinman College’s mascot Tiki also made an appearance during the book delivery. Says Derek Gouldin, Counselor at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, "The books were a great hit – great selections for our kids. The BU students were wonderful and everything went well. Our kids loved it."

“As a Binghamton University Alumni, it is my pleasure to have teamed up with current Binghamton University students to benefit the students of Woodrow Wilson Elementary through a delivery of books to promote the importance of reading for kids,” states Cathleen Laporte, founder of Athletes for Charity.

 

Athletes for Charity is a nonprofit organization that teams up with professional athletes, sports leagues and teams, various sports professionals, foster care agencies and related organizations, as well as volunteers and mentors, with the goal of empowering and supporting the development of disadvantaged youth. Athletes for Charity also hosted a series of essay and drawing contests for the recipients of the new books. Students who write a brief essay about their thoughts on the book or draw a picture of themselves reading can win prizes like Oakdale Mall gift cards and gear from New York professional sports teams such as the Jets, Yankees, Rangers, and the Binghamton Mets.