Gamma Beta Chapter at Fort Hays State University started a book drive for It Takes a Village, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children in foster care.
Brother Camden Rietcheck, Noble Ruler of Gamma Beta Chapter, said the book drive was to begin February 17th, but due to snow and below freezing temperatures, they were forced to reschedule their event to have members on campus write cards to the kids who would receive books.
Brother Parker Opat, another member of the chapter, came up with the idea to hold the book drive as his mom works for It Takes a Village.
Despite the snow, the chapter still received more than 50 books.
“It means a lot to us,” Brother Rietcheck said. “We are at a point now where we can focus more on giving back to the community.”
Brother Rietcheck said the chapter is hoping to reschedule their card-making event before spring break. The event will consist of hot cocoa, snacks and an opportunity for campus members to uplift the children in the local area. It will also act as another opportunity for campus and community members to drop off books.
Gamma Beta Chapter used flyers and group chats to spread the word of their book drive with organizations across campus.
The chapter doesn’t have a goal as it is their first book drive, but Brother Rietcheck said they hope to hold this event in the future.
He also said the chapter has been in contact with a recycling center in Colby, Kanas, which keeps books that happen to get recycled. The chapter plans to pick up these books as well to add to their donation.
The brothers hope to collect as many books as they can over the course of the next few weeks, and they look forward to holding another book drive next year.
