Next Tuesday, Dec. 9th, the USC chapter of Pi Beta Phi will donate 500 new books to South Kilbourne Elementary. The event was not only part of the sorority's philanthropy, but also a signal of its return to USC’s campus.
The books that will be donated were purchased by the Pi Beta Phi foundation. On a national level, events such as this book donation are funded by the Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation. Hoping to create a more literate and productive society, the fund also fuels initiatives such as Champions are Readers, Arrow in the Arctic and Fraternity Day of Service.
“They're new books ... the kids at the elementary school are the first to own them," first-year student and member of the Pi Beta Phi academic committee Callie McCarty said. "Pi Beta Phi's philanthropy is 'Read, Lead, Achieve,' and it's all about making sure every child can lead so they become future leaders."
The event will be the first philanthropy for Pi Beta Phi this semester. The national fountain will donate the books in part to honor the recolonization of the sorority this semester.
McCarty also mentioned dodgeball and volleyball fundraising tournaments as chapter philanthropy events for the next semester.
The chapter inducted 207 chapter members earlier this semester as part of its recolonization.
“The members and the sisters in the chapter step up, and everybody wants to be as involved as they can. Everybody's very involved in the chapter, everything we do," McCarty said. "Whether it's a social event, philanthropy event, helping someone out in the chapter — everyone's really involved. You don't have to corral anybody to do it. Everybody just volunteers their time right away."