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Ohio Wesleyan University’s Delta Tau Delta fraternity and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority gave away more than 500 books to children at November’s First Friday celebration in downtown Delaware.
Jamison Ellis ’24, president of Delta Tau Delta, said the groups were pleased to spearhead the community outreach.
“There were so many parents asking ‘Are they really free?’ and were excited to hear that their child could add to their own personal library free of charge,” said Ellis of Uniontown, Ohio.
The books were generously donated by retired Ohio Wesleyan professor Amy McClure, a 1972 OWU alumna and a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. McClure was a member of the OWU Department of Education for 40 years before retiring in 2019, with expertise in reading and children’s literature.
In recognition of her scholarship, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed McClure in October to a four-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Martha Kinney Cooper Ohioana Library Association. The organization was founded in 1929 by Ohio First Lady Martha Kinney Cooper to collect, preserve, and promote the works of Ohio authors, artists, and musicians.
The Greeks that Give book giveaway also was made possible through the help of Rusty McClure, Amy’s husband, also a 1972 Ohio Wesleyan graduate and a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He is an author, entrepreneur, and OWU instructor who devotes a significant amount of time toward the betterment of the fraternity.
“It was a great opportunity to connect with alumni toward such a great cause,” Ellis said.
Members of both Greek organizations walked away from downtown Delaware satisfied with the success of their first book giveaway and ready to embark on future community service opportunities.