Student Education Association Invites Community to Donate Books for Local Schools

Webster University’s Student Education Association (SEA) is requesting the help of the community as they look to achieve a lofty goal - help foster a love of reading for students in need.  
 
The SEA, a student-led organization within the School of Education, is hosting a children’s book drive with a goal of collecting 1,500 books. All books collected will be donated to two St. Louis public schools: Patrick Henry Downtown Academy and Gateway Elementary School.  
 
 Samantha Finder, chair of SEA, shared the organization´s inspiration on the project: “SEA began this annual book drive last year after we heard that there had not been one held since before the pandemic hit. We wanted to address the need within an in-need school by providing children’s books for the students to take home and add to their at-home library. Our book drive last year and the smaller school-supply drives we have held this year have received so much support, so we raised our goals this time in order to support two schools rather than just one.”  
 
Alyssa Gilchrist, officer of SEA, added, “This is my first year with SEA and I love seeing the outreach that we have. The book drive is a great way to connect with the community and I’m appreciative to be a part of it.” 
 
SEA has already collected over five hundred (500) books since spring break, which is over a third of the way to the overall goal.   
 
Alyssa Pratt, co-chair of SEA, offered her observations as a student in the teacher preparation program.  
 
“The book drive is something I have been looking forward to since dropping off last year’s donation. It is incredible to see how generous our community is and see first-hand what an impact these books have on the students who receive them.”  
 
This year, SEA ambassadors will deliver donated books to the two schools on April 28. 
 
Milan Henline, officer of SEA, spoke about how this is a growing and continuous endeavor: “Seeing the support from everyone all around campus, from students to faculty, has been incredible to witness firsthand. I'm very excited to see how the support continues to grow in years to come!” 
 
The community is invited to drop off any books in the green donation bins throughout Webster University by April 27. There are bins on the second floor of Webster Hall, at Pearson House, the Athletic Office, the SGA Office, Sverdrup, the library, the bookstore, and the Community Music School.