'Book in Every Home' campaign continues

The 13th annual "Book in Every Home" campaign continues through Dec. 7.

The goal for this year's drive — which started Oct. 23 — is to collect enough books so each of the 433 children enrolled in seven area Head Start centers will receive at least one book to take home and call their own. Children ages three to five attend Head Start centers in Carbondale, Carterville, Johnston City, Marion and Murphysboro.

Nationally recognized for its success, the SIUC Head Start program — now in its 37th year — is one of only a few university-related Head Start organizations in the country. The program focuses on meeting the social, intellectual, emotional and physical needs of preschool children from income-eligible families.

Over the last 12 years, members of the SIUC community and the community at large donated more than 29,000 books. Last year's drive collected enough books so that each Head Start child went home with three books. The goal this year is to collect at least 2,500 new preschool books.

Erika Lowery, wife of men's basketball coach Chris Lowery, is chairing the campaign. The couple has four children, ages 13, 7, 6 and 3.

In choosing a new book for young children ages 3-5, please consider the following:

• Illustrations — Large, clear colorful pictures that relate to the words.
• Text — The story should be easy to follow and understand.
• Design — The pages in the book should be uncluttered. The print should be large and legible.
• Language — Books written in both Spanish and English are acceptable.

Drop boxes for the books are at the following campus locations:

• Chancellor's office, Anthony Hall.
• Law school library, Hiram H. Lesar Law Building.
• Student Center Information Station, first floor.
• Student Development Office, third floor, Student Center.
• Student Health Center, adjacent to the Student Recreation Center.
• Woody Hall, bursar's payment area.
• Colyer Hall.
• Coach Chris Lowery's office, Lingle Hall, adjacent to the SIU Arena.

Book drop locations also will be available at various banks in Jackson and Williamson counties.

In addition to bringing books, tax-deductible monetary donations to buy new books are also welcome. Checks should be made out to the SIU Foundation with "Books in Every Home" written in the memo area. The SIU Foundation address is 1235 Douglas Drive, Colyer Hall, Mail Code 6805, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901.