University of Idaho wins 2010 National Service Award for First Book
by Linda Wells, University of IdahoIdaho was proud to bring home the National Service Award from Sigma Tau Delta’s 2010 Convention. It was a shining moment, not only for the honor society, but for the English Department. “Students understand how huge First Book is to the members of Sigma Tau Delta at the University of Idaho,” says Co-President Melissa Thom. She went on to say that completing a year-round service project also gave the chapter a deep sense of accomplishment.
First Book is a national organization that is dedicated to promoting literacy to children in low-income areas around the country by donating books to schools and community programs. The Eta Chi Chapter was lucky enough to find a board of representatives of First Book operating in Northern Idaho. Unlike many schools, the University of Idaho is settled between the two sovereign nations of the Coeur d’Alene and Nez Perce Indian tribes. This has given the university the opportunity to work within the public schools of the area, including several reservation schools.
As members of a local chapter, the Eta Chi students at the University of Idaho participate by organizing and implementing fundraisers year-round. From spaghetti feeds to competitive speed-reads and grant writing campaigns, they have tried to establish community involvement as much as possible. Last year, the members of the Eta Chi Chapter raised nearly $5,000. In turn, all of the money was used to distribute books around Latah County.
Every project the Eta Chi Chapter has undertaken has been voluntary, and, while the group is small, it is incredibly dedicated. Visiting each school in turn to distribute books has been rewarding. First Book has given the opportunity for so many children in Latah County to read and own their books, for some literally their very first book.
After receiving the award, the Eta Chi Chapter was able to donate the award money to the national headquarters of First Book in Washington D.C. to continue the national effort to promote literature in the communities. The members of Eta Chi would like to thank Sigma Tau Delta for the support of their involvement with First Book. | 
