Legacy of Literacy: A Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant Double Success Story

Phi Kappa Phi Forum, Winter 2006 by Waibel-Duncan, Mary Katherine

A few months ago, I received a Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Initiative Grant to create a children's library and to support the development of a volunteer-based Shelter Reader program at a local hattered-women's shelter. I also obtained two supplemental grants to furnish the room and to purchase educational software for a donated computer. In addition to these grants, a bereaved mother of a victim of domestic violence was so impressed with the concept and quality of the project that she requested a copy of my hook wish list. In honor of her daughter's memory, she purchased every book on the list.

After consulting with librarians and booksellers to identify other appropriate books that address issues pertaining to individuals who are exposed to intimate partner violence, I spent approximately $1,300 of the $2,500 grant. On the advice of Barnes & Noble's store manager (State College, Pennsylvania), I encouraged The Women's Center to complete an Organizational Application that amounted to a 20-percent hook discount, tax-exempt status, and our ability to take advantage of a time-limited "buy 3 Dr. Seuss hooks for the price of 2" promotion. We saved a fortune! Then, Scholastic Books afforded me the opportunity to purchase 2.90 copies of Eric Carle's A Howsc' for Hermit Crab at a one-time price of $0.95 each for a total of $237. Carle's hook is a talc of a hermit crab who ventures across the ocean floor and recruits protection, beauty, and support from other sea creatures. Every child who visits the shelter will receive a copy of this book. For many of these children, Carle's book will he the first contribution to their own personal libraries.

Because of the generosity of the community and my good fortune in identifying booksellers who afforded us significant discounts, I had approximately $1,000 remaining from the 2005 grant. After requesting and receiving permission from Phi Kappa Phi, we applied these funds to a second literacy campaign. Our second partner organization, the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, Inc., is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that provides temporary, convenient, and compassionate housing for families with seriously ill children who are receiving medical care at area hospitals. Project Welcome Home is establishing a children's library and creating an opportunity for a volunteer-driven House Reader program at the "House that Love Built" in an attempt to bolster children's social support, academic competence, and psychological adjustment despite their exceptional circumstances. Coupled with other grant money and with the same local community and merchant support, the remaining $1,000 from the Legacy of Literacy project is allowing us to develop a second children's library-this time for a population of pediatric patients and their families.

Through our sincere efforts to fulfill Phi Kappa Phi's mission to engage the community of scholars in service to others, Bloomsburg University's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi has gained recognition on our campus and in the broader community. On October 20, 2005, the efforts of our chapter were recognized at the Women's Center Community Volunteer Award luncheon, and the library has been the topic of a number of press releases in local newspapers and newsletters.

Thank you, Phi Kappa Phi, for helping Chapter 202 to create new opportunities for our students, administrators, and faculty to be useful to others!

Mary Katherine Waibel-Duncan, Bloomsburg State University