by Dana Osborne, Phoenix Chapter Past President
Dear STC Phoenix members,
When I began volunteering in a second-grade classroom at Wilson Primary School in Phoenix last fall, I asked the teacher what things she might need for the classroom. Her immediate response for the top of her “wish list” was a copy of The Scholastic Children’s Encyclopedia. She went on to explain that the AIMS test requires that students use a reference tool to look up a piece of information; however, her classroom had no reference books to use, nor was there money in the school budget for purchasing any. In the scheme of budget shortfalls and school-room crises, this situation was not earth-shattering. It did, however, strike me as really unfair!
Over the next few weeks, I began to remember what it was like to be a new reader. Dr. Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Little Critters became my friends again. Fairy tales forgotten became new. I remembered how much reading books about exotic places and far-away-peoples (both fact and fiction) can create magic in a child’s world. Best of all, a little girl named after an Egyptian goddess touched my heart. (I can’t use her name here, but I can tell you about her bright eyes and smile as we read together each week!)
I was convinced that one encyclopedia was not enough! Each student needed one of these big, fat, glossy books full of pictures and important knowledge! These experiences converged one day as I realized how many of my family and STC friends share the same love of reading AND that an encyclopedia is a special kind of “technical communication.” What a perfect opportunity!
Chapter leadership heartily agreed to adopt the project as a community service activity. Contributions of books and monies from STC Phoenix chapter members, friends, and family began rolling in. Soon there were 26 books – one for each child and one for the teacher!
I was bursting to tell the teacher, but managed to keep the project a secret from her until the day of delivery. As I arrived for my weekly reading session, I gave her one book. She seemed pleased and said “Thank you!” Then I told her there were 25 more books waiting for her in the car. Her mouth literally dropped open! She looked at me for a moment and then exclaimed, “CAN I HUG YOU?!” I said yes and gladly returned the hug! A short time later, we were in the parking lot with a line of 20-odd students who had lined up to take a book from my trunk. Each one of them met me with bright, shining eyes and a big “thank you.” Many kids were “wowed” by the heft of the book. Most hugged it tightly to their chests as they returned to their place in line. It was a day I’ll always remember! I wish you could have been there, too!
Thanks to each of you who contributed to this effort. One student’s thank you note is presented below for your enjoyment.
With sincere appreciation,
Dana Osborne
P.S. If you’re interested in volunteering at a school near you, I encourage you to do so. It will make a difference in your life and in the life of a child. If you need help finding a volunteer opportunity, check out http://handsonphoenix.org/.
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