Since 2007, First Book and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women have worked together to bring thousands of new books to children in need across the country. This past weekend, in celebration of Read Across America Day and the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Day of service, Pi Phi members joined together to “Make Their Mark for Literacy” and generate 50,000 books for disadvantaged children.

Throughout the Fraternity’s 140-year history, Pi Beta Phi and its members have supported literacy and education for children and families everywhere. Pi Beta Phi alumnae, Elizabeth Eastwick, recently shared how the organization’s commitment to promoting literacy has touched her life.

“When I first joined Pi Phi as a collegian, I was immediately drawn to the philanthropy that the fraternity had adopted—literacy. As an educated woman, I knew what a gift literacy was for children and adults. I became involved with the philanthropy at the local level, volunteering at one of the elementary schools in the area as a reading tutor. This experience inspired me to make literacy my focus of study as an undergraduate, as I researched the many different ways children learn to read with the director of the Combined Program for Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan. Researching how children learn moved my career path to education.

As an educator, promoting literacy is extremely important to me. I have involved my students with the recent literacy initiatives through Pi Phi. On Read Across America day, we dressed as Dr. Seuss characters and took time out to read to ourselves and to the younger children at our school. This year, we are raising funds and awareness for First Book. My students are overwhelmed by the statistics on literacy. They now see the importance of reading, just as I did when I first joined Pi Phi. Bringing the cause of literacy to a new generation of young women has been so fulfilling. I only hope that they pass on the message and the gift of reading to the next generation.”

First Book is thankful for the support of Pi Phi members and alumnae across North America that will help provide beautiful, new books to children who need them the most. Congratulations on a successful Fraternity Day of Service!