SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA — Piles of new books were stacked high inside the Robert E. Lee High School cafeteria Saturday, as part of a 20,000 book giveaway.
Seven-year-old David Perez showed off his two new prized possessions, an Avengers and Star Wars book. “It’s like a treasure hunt for him, he doesn’t even know where to start or where to finish,” said his mother, Arni Perez.
The 20,000 book giveaway was organized by the Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women. Spokeswoman Julie Carney said they are holding five different events like this around the country, the product of months of fundraising by the sorority and its alumni.
“It’s absolutely rewarding. Anytime you see a child come in and immerse themselves in a book, watch their faces light up and smile makes it absolutely worth it,” said Carney.
Women in Pi Beta Phi chapters of George Washington University, George Mason University, Johns Hopkins and University of Delaware helped fundraise for the giveaway.
Books were distributed to 300 children and 126 organizations.
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