Service Center book drive gives local children gift of reading

During their holiday break from school, almost 400 local children will have a new book to read thanks to a Make a Difference Day project coordinated through Tennessee Tech University's Service Center and carried out by TTU students, faculty and staff.

The almost-semester-long drive gathered books for children at Jere Whitson Elementary School, Prescott Middle School and Cookeville High School.

"As more and more classes, departments, local churches and businesses got involved, the book drive grew and grew until we decided to extend it through the end of the semester, hoping to collect enough that each child could take home a book," said Michelle Huddleston, TTU service coordinator.

The center met that goal and the first Pre-K tour to deliver books to Jere Whitson featured famous readers, including TTU President Bob Bell.

"We took Bob the Builder and Bob the TTU President, as we put it to the kids," said Huddleston. "Dr. Bell really enjoyed getting to read to the kids and they loved it. They actually wanted him to keep reading more books to them. We took six volunteers that day including TTU administrators, students and one AmeriCorps VISTA member."