For the sixth consecutive Halloween, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) at Austin Peay State University is collecting new and gently used children’s books for its Candy for the Mind project.
Through this project, PKP distributed more than 1,000 books to community children and the children of University staff during last year’s G.H.O.S.T. (Great Halloween Options for Safe Trick-or-Treating), the on-campus alternative for safe trick-or-treating. Currently, PKP has some books on hand for distribution during G.H.O.S.T., slated this year from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26 but needs many more. Since the inception of the Candy for the Mind project in 2003, hundreds of children who trick-or-treat at APSU have been thrilled to receive a book as a Halloween treat.
Dr. Linda Thompson, who started the program when she was president of PKP and is now coordinating the project with current PKP President Dr. David Snyder, said, “Now that it’s become a tradition, the children come back to us, year after year, eagerly looking for a book from the ‘book people.’”
Snyder said, “We must reach our goal of 1,500 books for the children, so that no child goes home without a book.”
A collection box for new or used children’s books has been placed in the lobby of Woodward Library. Donated books must be placed in this receptacle by Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Financial donations also will be accepted. PKP members will use the money to purchase age-appropriate books. A check, made out to PKP Candy for the Mind, should be mailed to the PKP treasurer, Carol Clark, executive assistant to the president, APSU Box 4576, Clarksville, TN 37044. Financial contributions for books should be received no later than Oct. 22 so that additional books can be purchased to books as needed for any age group.
For more information, please contact Assistant Professor of History Dr. David Snyder, president of PKP, by telephone at (931) 221-7923 or by e-mail at snyderdr@apsu.edu or Dr. Linda Thompson, by telephone at (931) 221-7469 or by e-mail at thompsonl@aspu.edu.
