SOUTHAVEN, MS — The RiverKings have paired up with First Regional Libraries for a night at the RiverKings game and a book drive. First Regional Libraries, with locations in: DeSoto, Lafayette, Panola, Tate and Tunica Counties, is in need of new kids books.
“We are excited to help the First Regional Library out with this very important book drive,” said Nikki Thomas, Account Executive for the Memphis RiverKings. “The book drive will benefit the children who use the library but also the people donating. Anyone who brings a book to our (the RiverKings) office before Friday, March 23 will receive a special $5 ticket rate for the game Friday, March 23 against the Youngstown Steelhounds.” |
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“Books will also be collected the night of the game,” continued Thomas. “Volunteers will be working at the North and West entrances of the Civic Center collecting books. Individuals who donate at the gate will be handed a coupon for a $5 ticket to be redeemed at the box office.”
The RiverKings have also made a couple of appearances to some of the First Regional Library branches to spend time with the children already this season. “Partnering with the RiverKings is great,” said Judy Card, Youth Services Coordinator for the First Regional Libraries. “The kids love having the players read to them and thoroughly enjoy seeing another audience member dressed up in the hockey gear. I think the appearances make everyone more enthusiastic for the book drive.”
Additional appearances are planned for Walls Library on March 21, and Southaven Library on March 22 (dates subject to change). RiverKings players will stop by the libraries (reliant on availability) to read “Brady, Brady”, a kids book about a little boy who loves and plays hockey, and to dress a child up in actual hockey gear and explain the different pieces and their necessity.
“We enjoy spending time with the kids,” said Travis Banga, RiverKings Assistant Captain. “The “Brady, Brady” stories share with the kids a new life lesson each time and, at the same time, convey our passion for hockey to the kids in their own terms.”
First Regional Libraries plans to use the donated kids books for their summer reading program. “Study after study has shown that a child’s reading improves if he/she continues to read over the summer,” said Card. “If they do not read over the summer, the opposite happens. It actually sets their reading level back from where they finished the school year at. Not to mention it is a lot of fun.”
“We look forward to the First Regional Libraries appreciation night,” continued Card. “I hope people will find this a good opportunity to see a good hockey game and help the kids.”
For further information on the First Regional Libraries appreciation night and book drive contact Nikki Thomas at nikki@riverkings.com or 662.342.1755. For further information on First Regional Libraries and their summer reading program visit www.first.lib.ms.us |
