Students, authors give books to young patients

her friend, Gianna Fannie, also 10.

The students read the story during “Hawk Time,” a 40minute session held in the Bethel Park elementary schools that reinforces district standards and classroom lessons.

A workbook page in the reading lesson used the example of a young boy who collected teddy bears for hospitalized children. The students talked about what they could do to “make a difference,” said Cathy Salay, the learning support teacher who led the project.

Riley asked Mrs. Salay if they could conduct a book drive and she agreed.

The students and teacher drafted an email about the book drive and sent it to all district families. The girls decorated cardboard collection boxes that were placed at the school entrance and at a book fair held at the school last month.

Soon books began to arrive. Other community groups became involved. Every Monday, for example, Riley brought in books donated by members of the South Hills Church of the Nazarene. The Bethel Park Junior Cheerleading Organization joined in and will take part in next week’s delivery.

The email held particular significance for Stephanie Weis, the mother of a Bethel Park kindergartner and the author of books for young adults who writes under the penname Stephanie Keyes.

She contacted her writing colleagues about the book drive, and nearly 70 books were brought for the drive to an agent conference for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators.

“We knew it was the perfect time for local writers and illustrators to step up. It was also great to let students know that there is a whole community of writers and illustrators in the area who want to bring good books to kids,” said Marcy Canterna, the chapter’s regional adviser.

“Many of the authors signed the books. Some wrote inspirational messages. My goal was to get involved and say, ‘Hey, what you are doing is amazing. Keep doing this the rest of your life.’ If children see adults stepping up to help them and contributing in some way, then in the future when they have the opportunity to do service, they pretty much will,” Mrs. Weis said.

“I kind of felt a little nervous but also really excited,” Gianna said. “We gave the books to the librarian, and we got to see where they will be going and all the different ways donated books are used at Children’s.’’

Most of the donations will be part of the Adopt-A-Book program, said Carolyn Biglow, hospital librarian.

“These are books [patients] can just have. We go through thousands every year. It can be so heartening to see a child get excited when they see a book they have read in school and say, ‘I can keep it?’”

Riley’s mother, Dari Woods, said she was amazed at the response from the community. “I was super excited for the girls to see that you can make a difference by putting a little effort into something.”

To donate books for the drive, mail them or drop them off by Thursday to Memorial Elementary School, 3301 South Park Road, Bethel Park 15102.