Binding Community with Books – The Office of Community Impact Hosts Children’s Book Drive

By: Brianna Bailey, For The Clock

bmb1064@plymouth.edu

A picture is known to be worth a thousand words, but a book filled with pictures is worth a million more. Especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, various forms of media have provided lots of comfort towards the crushing isolation lockdown may cause. Due to circumstances such as remote learning and social distancing, children in particular feel this as a heavy weight and could use these tools for more comfort. The Office of Community Impact (OCI) has brainstormed a lighthearted solution using books to bring our community together with the Children’s Book Drive.

Jessica Dutille, director of the OCI, provided insight when she explained how they “value all human beings and believe everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. We value open communication, trusting and reciprocal partnerships, and creating environments where everyone involved feels seen, safe, and valued.”

It is evident that community lies at the core of the OCI, but not just within the Plymouth community. The books they collect will be distributed to local children and youth, as well as to the children and youth of Jamaica through the Petersfield Galloway Benevolent Society, a partner with Plymouth State’s OCI. In the past, PSU students have engaged in Social Action Trips, participating in various community projects that help students connect deeper with new and intriguing cultural experiences. Stated directly on PSU’s OCI’s website they explain how their main goal is to “foster transformative learning experiences for PSU students to engage in active citizenship, explore their sense of purpose, and grow into conscious leaders who cultivate love and connection throughout our local and global communities.” Students can contribute throughout the entire month of February by donating new and gently used children’s books. These donations can be dropped off in the HUB, outside the OCI office, room 039. If you want further information or have any questions, contact student ambassador Cody Roberts at cjr1063@plymouth.edu.