Norfolk Deltas Donate Books To Schools

Special to the New Journal and Guide

The Arts and Letters Committee of Norfolk Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alumnae Chapter, under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Sandra Mathis, took action recently to promote literacy among Norfolk Public Schools’ students. Dr. Mathis launched a new initiative for the Arts and Letters Committee this year – “A Book In Every Child’s Hands.” The goal of this initiative is to promote a love for reading by providing books for children who have limited access to books outside of school.

The Delta members of the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter recognize the importance of reading and the impact that it has on the success of every individual in our society. When Dr. Mathis announced a book drive requesting chapter members to donate new or gently used children’s books in support of this initiative, the response was over-whelming. During a six-month period, chapter members donated more than 350 children’s books for pre-kindergarten through third grade students. The genres ranged from classic children’s literature including fairy tales and the works of Dr. Seuss, to science, history, and themes such as making friends and getting along with others.

A label was placed in each book that stated: Presented by Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Arts and Letters Committee, 2016. In addition, more than 300 bookmarks were donated by a member of the sorority and each student received a bookmark with his/her book. During the last week of school, several members of the Arts and Letters Committee distributed 243 of the books to pre-kindergarten through third grade students at Ingleside Elementary School in Norfolk. The children were beaming with pride and thrilled about receiving their very own book to take home to read during the summer.

Mr. Parker, the in-school suspension facilitator, stated that one of the students asked him, “Do you mean this is mine and I can take it home?” Mr. Parker responded, “Yes, it’s yours and you can take it with you.” The student said, “I’m going to put this book in my backpack right now!” Witnessing the excitement on the faces of these children as they received their very own books, will be a lasting memory in the minds of the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is committed to promoting literacy. We must do all we possibly can to prepare our children for academic success. They are our future leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, etc. Reading is a lifetime skill they must master and therefore, it is imperative that we inspire them to read,” stated Priscilla Scott-Thomas, Chapter President.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to community service. The Sorority operates under a Five-Point Programmatic Thrust.
Educational Development is one of these five thrusts that promotes academic excellence of children with a strong focus on literacy.