The Nu Xi Omega and Iota Psi chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority had organized a book giveaway session at the community center.

The book distributions was part of an initiative started by the sorority called Project H.O.P.E., which stands for "Help Other People Succeed."

"One of our major focus is education and the black family," explained Andrea Moten, president of the Nu Xi Omega chapter.

She added that sorority members knew there was a need in this area.

"It's a community that may not have that much access to books and other educational tools," she said, explaining that they were giving away books to inspire reading and to improve literacy among young children.

The chapters will also provide new books to the bookcase previously donated to help the community center maintain a library.

The event, which was open to the youngsters who live in residences operated by the New Brunswick Housing Authority, was well-attended, as kids poured in with their parents to check out the books. Some of them spent time reading the books at the tables that were provided to facilitate story time.

Some undergraduate students from Rutgers University showed to help with the organization of the event.

Arnold, the 8-year-old, was thrilled with the variety of books in his basket and also with the school supplies, picture dictionary and bookmarks given to each child.

"Getting the kids excited about reading in this way is a great idea. Besides, many of the books are expensive and most parents couldn't have afforded them on their own," said Portia Brown, who brought three of her children to pick up books

This article was provided by: Home News Tribune
Written by: Lalita Aloor Amuthan