ST. PARIS – Third grade students at Graham Elementary spent the week learning, reading and having fun with teachers prior to their holiday break. They also spent time reflecting on community needs and those less fortunate.

With the help of teacher Mindy Heaston, who organized the drive and the partnerships, third graders collected over 1,400 books as part of a service learning lesson during their last week of school prior to the holiday break.

“A goal of our strategic plan, Graham 2020, is about understanding our community better and connecting our activities to relevant needs,” said Chad Miller, principal of Graham Elementary.”

Collected books were delivered to The Caring Kitchen and Concord Food Pantry, as well as area pediatric offices. This is the second year of carrying out a book drive at Graham Elementary.

“Our students care about each other and our community, and they begin learning about service and volunteerism early at Graham through our PBIS activities, which are all about recognizing positive behaviors that make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them,” Heaston said.

Graham’s early literacy initiatives have been paying off in other ways for local residents. As of December, over 200 families had registered with the Read Imagine Soar! Foundation to receive the free Dolly Parton Imagination Library resources and for opportunities to participate in early literacy activities with families.