FUMC/Hamilton Haven add schools to book program

By submitted, 04/29/24 9:50 AM

PRESCOTT — A project to provide books to elementary school students continues, with new schools added.

First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and Hamilton Haven provided books to Prescott Elementary School (PES) students in 2023. For this year, the two organizations will also work with Randy Hughes Elementary in Blevins and Nevada Elementary School.

“We are excited to expand this program to additional schools in our community,” said Leslie Hughes, Hamilton Haven administrative assistant. “We feel that it’s important to support our children.”

The endeavor is a collaboration between FUMC, Hamilton Haven, and Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center. FUMC and Hamilton Haven volunteers will visit the schools on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3 to deliver books and meet with staff.

Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, located just west of Little Rock, is known as an excellent location for conferences, meetings, and youth events.

“This is wonderful for our students,” said PES principal Kimberly Grimes. “We appreciate Hamilton Haven and First United Methodist Church’s interest in supporting our school.”

“Encouraging reading is a key component in education, particularly for younger students,” Randy Hughes Elementary principal Natalie Jones said. “We are pleased that Hamilton Haven and First United Methodist Church chose our school.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, and we are looking forward to it,” said Tonda Pennington, Nevada Elementary School principal.

Hamilton Haven is a 501(c)(3) organization and designated as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible. Anyone interested in contributing, volunteering, or receiving more information can contact Michele Hamilton Rhodes at 870-403-8096 or Nathan Tidwell at 501-687-7844. Hamilton Haven can be reached via e-mail at hamiltonhaven1@gmail.com, on Facebook (@HamiltonHaven71857), Instagram (hamiltonhaven870), and Twitter (@HamiltonHaven1).