Read to Succeed Book Drive

Lincoln ? The University of Nebraska Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is proud to be sponsoring the second annual Read to Succeed Book Drive on three dates in November. Student-athletes are asking for fans to contribute new or in good condition picture and chapter books. The books will be given to Title 1 Lincoln Public Elementary Schools to encourage families to practice reading and develop a love for reading. <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

"The student athletes here at <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska are excited to endorse the "Read to Succeed" Book Drive," Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Koko Tacha said. "As a group, we couldn’t think of a better way to serve our community than by promoting enthusiasm for reading and literacy. As college students, we are able to see the benefits of reading every day. We hope Nebraska fans will be as excited as us for this great opportunity to spread the love of reading by participating in ?Read to Succeed.’

The books will be collected by Husker student-athlete volunteers along with LincolnPublic School teachers at three different events in the upcoming two weeks. Husker fans are asked to donate books at the following Nebraska athletic events:

? Wednesday, Nov. 15, Volleyball game vs. Texas A&M (7 p.m.)
? Friday, Nov. 17, Women’s Basketball game vs. Cal State Fullerton (7:05 p.m.)
? Saturday, Nov. 18, Men’s Basketball game vs. Creighton (7 p.m.)

The Lincoln Public Schools Ventures in Partnership will assist the student-athletes in the distribution process, making sure they get into the hands of those students who are in need of books in their homes.

"We are very excited to continue our partnership with the Husker student-athletes on this project," said Deb Dabbert, principal of Belmont Elementary School and a member of the LPS Ventures in Partnership Committee. "This project is so important for the family literacy program, and we’re looking forward to another opportunity to send books to the homes so parents can read to students, and students can read to parents.

"We’re excited to get families involved again this year because we know it increases the child’s achievement success. We will also again be able to utilize some of the donated books as incentives for reading in school."

At each drive, fans who donate a book can enter to win a prize which will be awarded the night of each game. An autographed ball will be given away at each event for the lucky ticket drawn at the end of the night.