Outstanding success occurred at Tyler Junior College in Texas. The chapter
exceeded their 2003 Project Graduation goals and involved members from
the college and community. The chapter's goal was to collect at least 2,003
books and food items. Overall, the chapter donated 3,695 non-perishable
food items and 4,155 books.
Delivering the donated books to
a local elementary school was the highlight of the chapter's Project Graduation
success. Chapter members conducted a book fair providing students with
books. This year's theme "Sleuthing for Health" reached more than 1,000
at-risk students.
Tyler Junior College's chapter succeeded
in organizing donations from the community as well as college graduates.
According to chapter advisor Cathryn Cates, "Our community is
always ready and willing to respond to a plea from us for books and canned
food goods. We have collected and distributed well over 25,000 books in
the last six years!" The chapter's donations received from the community
were collected prior to their commencement ceremony.
"Because
our food bank has ample donations during holiday seasons and bare shelves
shortly thereafter, the agency was ecstatic to receive 3,695 cans of food
after our commencement," comments Chapter Vice President of Service Rachel
Finch. "Also, the Literacy Council had planned a June community book
swap but did not have the book resources they needed until we surprised them
with over 2,475 books."
The chapter made a long-term commitment
to the Literacy Council and local food bank years ago. These agencies have
received an abundant amount of donations from the Tyler Junior College
chapter as a result of Project Graduation.
The chapter used
the online
press release to publicize their event. Their efforts were highlighted
in the Tyler Courier-Times-Telegraph and the Tyler Morning
Telegraph.
Chapters from across the nation and abroad
led to the overwhelming success of Project Graduation in 2003. A total of
438 chapters in 48 states and Saipan made an impact in their communities
by donating more than 53,000 food items and 40,000 books. Donations were
provided to food shelters, children's centers, libraries, churches,
and many more community agencies.
Chapters are encouraged
to complete the online
success form for Project Graduation 2003. For further details
about Project Graduation and the chapters participating please visit
the Project Graduation web site at www.projectgraduation.org
or contact us at project.graduation@ptk.org
or 601.984.3577.
