Edmondson Elementary Service Project Donates Books to African Village

Published February 8, 2007

A service project at Edmondson Elementary School will send thousands of books to Africa. Students spent a week in January learning about life in the village of Kang'oma in Malawi. Students were asked to donate a used paperback book to help build a library for the children in Kang'oma. They were encouraged to tape a picture of themselves inside the book so the children of Kang'oma could see the child who donated the book. Students could also help cover shipping costs by tucking a $1 bill into the front cover of the book.

The morning assembly at Edmondson on January 25 was overflowing with donated books. Some children brought one book while others came with bags and boxes full of books to donate. Mrs. Martha Smith's first grade class championed the drive thanks to the guidance and inspiration of parent Connie Fain. The class spent the rest of the morning checking each book for money; sorting and counting the books; plus packing, taping, and weighing the boxes for shipping. In the end, Edmondson children and parents proudly donated 2,121 books and $529 towards shipping costs. The books will take three to six months to arrive in Kang'oma as they are traveling by ship. Thanks to all who helped donate to this worthy cause!