The Children’s Defense Fund is celebrating its 25th year of service to children and youth across the country. To help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 learning loss, the Chapters Beyond Books partnership was initiated to distribute 50,000 culturally-revelant books and resources to children and youth in the United States. Partnering with the CDF in this venture are The Chums, Inc., Jack & Jill of America Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Beta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
The Roanoke Chapter of Chums, Inc. has been partnering throughout the 2020-21 school year with the Melrose Branch Library providing resources for the children in the Read and Feed Program. Antinette Beane was overjoyed to get the additional resources for the children in her program from the CDF. In addition to books, families can log on to Monthly Family Book Club nights which will feature special guests and authors who will join live stream to conduct a book reading.
This initiative dovetails with the Chums National theme, “Listen to the children…enrich their lives.”
Francine McLaughlin is the local president.
