Back to School book fair honors a ministry

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Andrew’s, Cincinnati, participates in several outreach initiatives yearly. One initiative, the Gloria Turnage “Books Unplugged” Book Fair, is inspired by our commitment to the priority of reading, education, and the impact that literacy has on determining the success of our students.

The premise for our book fair is to persuade students to unplug themselves from their electronic devices and reconnect to the written words and pictures in books. Perhaps to discover something new, exciting and impactful.

In August, the ECW sponsored its third annual back to school book and school supplies fair with partners from the Evanston Community Recreation Center, several corporate businesses, community organizations, the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Xavier University’s Bellarmine Chapel, and three Cincinnati academic academies from the Evanston community.

The book fair gave away more than 400 books and 267 backpacks with school supplies to students from Evanston and several surrounding schools. A visit from community librarians allowed for students and parents to receive library cards to encourage visits to check out books from the library. Those who attended were excited and inquired about next year’s fair.

The book fair is dedicated to a beloved and devoted member of the St. Andrew’s family, Mrs. Gloria Turnage. Mrs. Turnage dedicated herself to the students in the Evanston community by providing students with backpacks and school supplies. The ECW of St. Andrew’s honors her memory by carrying on her ministry and will continue to encourage the students to enjoy reading and to become lifelong readers.

Vicki B. Washington serves as ECW Secretary at St. Andrew’s, Cincinnati.