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.
