The Xi Zeta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi at the University of North Alabama is hosting their third annual Black History Month book drive. Beta Alpha Psi is a nationally recognized accounting honor society at UNA. 

The book drive will last the entire month of February. Members of Beta Alpha Psi created an Amazon wish list of books that they wish to be donated. This avoids the hassle of having to have a drop-off site, and members can make sure appropriate books are being donated. The books will then be donated to three local elementary schools: one in Florence, one in Russellville and one in Muscle Shoals.

“[The book drive] is something that Beta Alpha Psi pushes at the national level,” said Madeline Pugh, president of Beta Alpha Psi. “We’re required to conduct so many service projects every semester, and we’ve been doing this project for the past three years. It’s more of a college-wide effort, not just a Beta Alpha Psi effort.”

The drive has been successful in the past, with donations going to different schools each year. The goal last year was 100 books, and 120 were donated. With that in mind, Pugh has raised their goal for this year. 

“We have a goal of 150 books to donate this year,” Pugh said. “The books will be donated to three local schools, each in a different school district.” 

The members of Beta Alpha Psi will then go to each elementary school and read the books to the students. This gives members a chance to get involved with the local community and provides elementary students with the chance to learn more about Black History Month in a fun, exciting way. 

“We’ll take the books and donate them, then we’ll read to the students,” Pugh said. “We’ll read a book or two, usually we go to the library or their classroom. We’re asking each of our members to donate a minimum of six books. That’s an incentive for us to meet our goal, and our members can earn service hours for helping with the drive.”

Traditionally, only books relating to Black History Month have been added to the wish list. This year, the society wanted to modify the list to include a wider variety of historical books for children. 

“This year we kind of altered [the drive] a little bit,” Pugh said. “It’s still in honor of Black History Month, but we expanded the book selection to be more diverse. We included books about women and other races to broaden awareness, so our book list changed a lot this year compared to what it has been.” 

Although books are primarily donated by Beta Alpha Psi members, anyone and everyone can donate. The message on their wish list reads: “Join Beta Alpha Psi in contributing books on diversity, equity, and inclusion to local schools by participating in our book drive.”

“It’s important for us because we can give back to the community,” said Sarah Banks, the member of Beta Alpha Psi who is in charge of the book drive. “I think it’s a great way to give back and be involved – that’s why we make it a requirement that each member has to donate.” 

Pugh enjoys the drive because it allows members to get involved in something other than just accounting services.

“A lot of what we do outside of this is strictly accounting,” Pugh said. “We tutor accounting students and do volunteer tax work and things like that, but this is completely different from service projects we usually do. It allows students to get outside of our department and our degree and explore ways to serve in other areas.” 

Donations can be purchased at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3VBGL4NX47N2N