Giving Back to the Community: Book Project

November 14, 2008 - On November 11, 2002, a tornado struck the Union University campus, causing extensive damage. Afterward, more than 1,000 faculty, students, and townspeople gathered to clean and restore the campus. One year later, Union organized Remembrance Day, a day set aside for service to the community to show our appreciation for the support the community had given to Union during our time of need. On that first Remembrance Day, the School of Education chose as a project to purchase children’s books and distribute them to area schools, working through teachers and Union students involved in field experiences.

The School of Education’s Book Project has been ongoing since 2003 and is led by Mrs. Sandy Hathcox, Assistant Professor of Education in the School of Education at Union University. Each year, students and faculty of the School of Education have led the way, partnering with classroom teachers while visiting and reading with children on Remembrance Day. Through Hathcox’s devotion to this project and her encouragement to both communities involved, active participation has increased tremendously! This year alone, 84 students and faculty distributed more than 850 children’s books valued at more than $5350 in 11 area schools. Hathcox stated, “Campus Ministries reports that our project has the largest number of participants!”

The funds to purchase and distribute the books were generously donated by Scholastic Book Clubs, Union University School of Education faculty and The Book Lady bookstore. We are indeed appreciative of the support we receive from these faithful donors, without which we could not complete such an endeavor.