The brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha are teaming with the Weakley County Reading Railroad to offer children a holiday celebration.
The event will be held Tuesday Dec. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Student Life Center. The holiday celebration will offer children age five and under the opportunity to meet Santa, play games and win prizes.
“The party is being hosted for the children of the Weakley County Reading Railroad, which is also our Philanthropy,” said Matt Smith, brother of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Pikes support the Reading Railroad throughout the year by hosting different events in order to raise money. The main event Pike hosts in the spring is known as Pike Fights. From this, the fraternity typically is able to generate several thousand dollars that is then donated to the program.
“I see [the Christmas party] as an opportunity to get to know the kids a little better and see how our contributions are helping them,” said Smith.
According to the Weakely County Reading Railroad Facebook page, “Weakley County Reading Railroad is a partnership of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Governor’s Books from Birth.”
The Reading Railroad is a non-profit organization that provides children with several free books throughout the year. The program gives books to children enrolled in the program from birth until their fifth birthday. Currently, there are 1,217 children that participate in the program, making up 6 percent of the total eligible population.
All books circulated through the Weakley County Reading Railroad come from individuals and organizations in the county. During the holiday party, several books, as well as other prizes, will be given away to the children in attendance.
Pikes are not only offering children with free books, they are putting a holiday spin on it. At the party, Santa will be reading to the children. The holiday celebration is an event that has not been held in several years, but one the fraternity hopes to continue as an annual one.
“We look forward to the party and hope to make it an annual event,” said Smith.
