Colorado State University – PuebloTeacher groups sponsor book drive this month 

 Pueblo-  This holiday season, the Colorado State University-Pueblo Teacher Education Association and Teacher Education Program in collaboration with several Pueblo business and community partners are sponsoring the 6th Annual Bring a Kid a Book (BAKAB) book drive to put books directly into the hands of school children who come from homes where books are not readily available.

The previous drives have been successful, collecting nearly 8,200 books for distribution to community schools and organizations thanks to the business and community partners that join the University’s efforts. In past years, BAKAB has provided every child at Pueblo’s Columbian, Baca, Avondale, Minnequa, Pueblo West, Hellbeck, & Parkview elementary schools with a brand new book of their own. BAKAB also has made significant donations to the YWCA, Children’s Advocacy Center, Colorado Public Defenders Office-Pueblo, and to the Junior League.

In 2006, organizers hope to raise 2500 books and to again put books directly into the hands of children attending three high needs elementary schools and one middle school in Pueblo School Districts 60 and 70. Any books received over our goal or over the population needs of those schools will be given to additional high needs schools and or to deserving organizations that serve the needs of Pueblo children.

Donation boxes may be found in buildings across the CSU-Pueblo campus. A pick-up service is available for large donations. Monetary donations also will be accepted. Anyone wishing to donate a gift card from Barnes and Noble can purchase it, and representatives will pick it up from the donor, or they can deliver it to Library Wing 317D.

The BAKAB book drive will continue through Christmas Eve. All books will be
delivered to the area schools when students return from the winter holiday break. Individuals or
businesses seeking more information about the program may contact Margie Massey in the Teacher Education Program at (719) 549-2257.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.