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PKP at APSU needs used, new children’s books to give as Halloween treats

Austin Peay State University LogoFor the seventh 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 1,500 books to community children 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 4-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25 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 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.’”

Dr. Karen D. Sorenson, current president of Phi Kappa Phi, said, “Phi Kappa Phi’s Candy for the Mind is a wonderful project. Whether the child is an avid reader, or a child who has never before owned a book, we want to encourage the love of learning in our community with the gift of a book for every child. Last year, we distributed more than 1,500 books to children from all over Clarksville. We hope we can collect enough books this year so that every child can choose a book of his or her own.”

Collection boxes for new or used children’s books have been placed in the Woodward Library, the Kimbrough Building lobby, outside Harned Harned, Room 216, and outside Room B217 in the Sundquist Science Complex. Donated books can be placed in the receptacles through Thursday, Oct. 15.

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. 15 so that additional books can be purchased as needed for any age group.

For more information, please contact Sorenson by telephone at (931) 221-6246 or by e-mail at sorensonk@apsu.edu or Clark by telephone at (931) 221-7570 or by e-mail at clarkc@apsu.edu.

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