SNEA lends helping hand to kids

Date: 3/10/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD -- Last week, Westfield State College (WSC) students stepped out of their community to lend a hand to a neighboring city in need.

On March 5, the Student National Education Association (SNEA) of WSC presented the Springfield Pine Point Branch Library with several gifts totaling $1,000. Children attending the event were also offered a free craft and reading program in honor of Springfield native Dr. Seuss.

We re thrilled to accept [these] gifts, Patti Damario, Children Services Librarian, told Reminder Publications. With recent budget cuts we ve not been able to buy [new children s] books.

Sheilagh Anderson, president of the SNEA of WSC, explained that they donated a felt board, table and books to the Springfield library, paid for by a $1,000 grant from the National Education Association.

When asked why the SNEA did not use the grant to support the Westfield Athenaeum, Anderson replied that her organization chose to supplement a library in the Valley with the greatest need.

Rachel Blasius, secretary of the SNEA at WSC, explained that each of the organization s future teachers were present to reinforce the importance of reading.

This means a lot to us, she said. We are education students so we believe in the power of books and libraries.

Jose Ramos, father of seven-year-old Jose and five-year-old Emilia, explained that he takes his children to the library every week to ensure that they remain steadfast in their commitment to their education and reading. He added that his son was falling behind in his second grade studies but that time in the library completing homework after school has improved his focus.

Emilia said she was really enjoying the activities with the WSC students and that the experience made her want to come back to the library more frequently.

Anderson noted that the SNEA at WSC will continue to apply for the NEA grants each semesters in an effort to aid other local libraries.