500 Children's Books Donated
Ohio Wesleyan University’s Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta chapters gave away more than 500 books to children at November’s First Friday celebration in downtown Delaware, Ohio.
Jamison Ellis (Ohio Wesleyan, 2024), president of Delta Tau Delta, said the groups were pleased to spearhead the community outreach.
“There were so many parents asking ‘Are they really free?’ and were excited to hear that their child could add to their own personal library free of charge,” said Ellis of Uniontown, Ohio.
The books were generously donated by retired Ohio Wesleyan professor Amy McClure, a 1972 OWU alumna and a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta. McClure was a member of the OWU Department of Education for 40 years before retiring in 2019, with expertise in reading and children’s literature.
In recognition of her scholarship, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed McClure in October to a four-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Martha Kinney Cooper Ohioana Library Association. The organization was founded in 1929 by Ohio First Lady Martha Kinney Cooper to collect, preserve, and promote the works of Ohio authors, artists, and musicians.
Children attending the Nov. 3 First Friday celebration choose their favorite books to take home for free. The books were provided by retired OWU professor Amy McClure.
The Greeks that Give book giveaway was also made possible through the help of Delta Tau Delta alumnus Rusty McClure (Ohio Wesleyan, 1972) Amy’s husband. He is an author, entrepreneur, and OWU instructor who devotes a significant amount of time to the betterment of the Fraternity.
“It was a great opportunity to connect with alumni toward such a great cause,” Ellis said.
Members of both Greek organizations walked away from downtown Delaware, satisfied with the success of their first book giveaway and ready to embark on future community service opportunities.
Originally published by Ohio Wesleyan University and shared with permission.
