WILLIAMS TO HOST BOOK DONATION EVENT FOR PENNYPACK SCHOOL

HARRISBURG, SEPT. 18 – State Sen. Connie Williams, in cooperation with Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), will hold a book drive to benefit the Pennypack School on the grounds of the Philadelphia House of Correction.

The drive will be held in October. Used books for young people may be dropped off at either of the Senator's district offices, which are located at 700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A, King of Prussia, and in the Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown.

The Pennypack School provides education to young people who have been charged with crimes for which they must be tried as adults. On any given day, about 120 young people are held at the Philadelphia House of Correction.

"Unfortunately, there is a decided lack of books in the recreation room and a shortage of resources to purchase books," Williams said. "Earlier this year, PCCY began a book drive to help fill the book shelves, but more books are needed. Books may be donated for all reading levels. Those that are too advanced for the young people will be sent to the adult side of the prison."

"What we all need to remember is that first and foremost, these are young people who have made a bad choice and are paying the consequences," Williams said. "Our judicial system is designed not only to provide appropriate corrective treatment, but also to begin the process of rehabilitation. What happens to these young people when they are in the House of Corrections is the first step in making a fresh start. With access to good books, maybe a some of these young people will develop a new-found love of reading."

Books on any subject matter and reading level will be accepted. Books may be dropped off at either district office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. As books are collected they will be sent to the Pennypack School.