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WIU Phi Kappa Phi Chapter Wins National Book Drive Competition for Second Year

May 22, 2018

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MACOMB, IL -- For the second year in a row, the Western Illinois University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) has been chosen a winner in the national chapter's annual book drive competition.

The WIU chapter was one of three collegiate chapters nationwide to win this year's competition. More than 1,630 books were collected at Western as part of this year's competition, exceeding last year's total of 1,120. The books were distributed to Macomb schools and daycare centers.

This year's book drive was run by the chapter's three student vice-presidents, Crystal Brooke, a junior music therapy and psychology double major from Hardin, MO; Rome Hamm, a junior finance major from Macomb; and Sara Devine, a junior music education major from Springfield, IL.

"It has been such a blessing to be a part of this year's book drive," said Brooke. "The overwhelming support from both the Western Illinois University community and the Macomb community allowed us to achieve far more than we had planned. We are excited to be a part of bringing the 'love of learning' to all the members of our community."

As a winning chapter, WIU will have the option to receive a Little Free Library to place at a location of its choice, or receive a waived registration fee to attend PKP's upcoming biennial convention in Minneapolis, MN.

The Little Free Library is a freestanding box where anyone can donate and borrow books in an effort to promote literacy throughout communities.

"'Let the love of learning rule humanity' - This phrase has inspired our organization, and especially our three super student vice presidents, to collect more than 1,600 books this year, and surpass our previous record by over 500 books," said WIU Chapter Treasurer Robert C. Intrieri. "I want to personally thank Rome Hamm, Crystal Brooke and Sarah Devine for their dedication and hard work. PKP would not have been able to achieve this milestone without them. In addition, I want to extend our thanks to the many people who contributed books to the drive. We hope these books will add hours of enjoyment through reading."

The Honor Society of PKP is the nation's oldest and most selective, all-discipline collegiate honor society. This was the fifth year of its national book drive competition. Nationwide, this year's book drive collected more than 11,800 books. Since the competition began, more than 45,000 books have been donated.

To learn more about PKP, visit PhiKappaPhi.org.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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