WVU Parkersburg honor society helping needy Iraqi school.

CONTACT:  Paul or Dottie Bibbee, Phi Theta Kappa advisors, 424-8000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thanks to a Harrisville serviceman's concern, a local project is under way to make the school day a bit brighter for students at a needy Iraqi elementary school.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Phi Theta Kappa members learned that Specialist Brandon Ward, son of Arvil and Diana Ward of Harrisville and stationed in Iraq, had expressed concern about an Iraqi school which is in dire need of educational supplies.   "These children don’t even have pencils, paper, chalk, books, etc.," Ward noted of the preschool age to fifth grade students.

WVU Parkersburg's PTK, an international honor society for two-year colleges, in conjunction with the Ward family and various government agencies, has launched Operation Ensuring Education to collect and ship educational supplies to the needy school.

"Local school children, college students, as well as various church groups and business organizations are involved in the project," noted David Cumberledge, PTK president.

"Due to the observant eye and caring heart of a native West Virginia youth, Specialist Ward, we are all able to offer our assistance toward a brighter future for Iraq in the most fundamental way…through the education of its youth," Cumberledge added.  "The promise of a brighter world tomorrow begins with the education of our world’s youth today," he said.

Suggested items to be donated include notebook paper, pencils, manila folders, erasers, crayons, markers, colored pencils, rulers, stickers, chalk and chalkboards, scissors, glue, tape, construction paper, bulletin boards, finger paints, and playground equipment (jump ropes, basketballs, etc.).  PTK chapter members will make the necessary arrangements to pick up all donated items or monetary contributions from businesses, organizations or individuals to ensure that donated or purchased items are correctly packaged and shipped to the school children of Iraq.

Those interested in contributing to the project may contact Cumberledge or PTK advisors Paul or Dottie Bibbee at WVU Parkersburg, 424-8000.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)

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