UNO PRSSA Holds Book Drive for Omaha Metro Youth

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter will hold a book donation drive for youth on campus during the month of April.

“Chapters for Change” book drive seeks new and gently used books for kindergarten through 12th grade. Campus drop-off locations include:

• Arts and Sciences Room 140
• Criss Library
• The Milo Bail Student Center
• The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC)

UNO PRSSA hopes to provide children from low-income areas access to a variety of books. Low-income neighborhoods are “book deserts,” according to a New York University’s recent study. Certain low-income communities have been found to only have one age-appropriate book for every 42 children.

All books collected from “Chapters for Change” book drive will be donated to metro non-profits for underserved youth to enrich as many children as possible.

Growing a love for reading at a young age is vital to long-term development in children. Early reading ignites creativity, sparks curiosity and stimulates imagination. Often this creativity sparks role-play in children, which enhances their empathy, problem solving and morality, according to Schoolhouse Childcare.

Child literacy experts say early reading creates a love for learning in children that they will carry throughout their life. Making books accessible for all communities is crucial.

For more information, contact Isabelle Kaeding, vice president of community engagement, at ikaeding@unomaha.edu.