NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/StaffService
Darlington supports Operation Paperback
Dec 8, 2004 8:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
McCallie-Kennedy Library sent 135 paperback books to U.S. troops overseas in cooperation with Operation Paperback, a non-profit, grassroots program.
“With the world situation, we felt it was a gift that would provide pleasure and relaxation to the men and women serving in our military services,” said Nancy Gray, librarian. “We are proud of the people who serve in our armed forces, and we want them to know how much we appreciate what they are doing. “
And according to feedback posted on Operation Paperback’s Web site, they do.
“To all at Operation Paperback, we have received your shipment of books and would like inform you that the books that we have received have been distributed to many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines as well as to many U.S. civilians working in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said one captain in his testimony. “It is the kindness and consideration that we in the military receive from you at Operation Paperback, the many organizations that contribute to your efforts and other organizations like yours that make us all extremely proud to serve our great nation. On behalf of all service members at home and abroad, I thank you for your kindness and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
Members of the 386th Composite Air Strike Force Kuwait also saluted Operation Paperback in its effort to support the U.S. military members while deployed. “Receiving your packages brings great pleasure, not only to the individuals who work here in the medical facility but to our patients as well,” said a spokesman for the 386th CASF Kuwait. “Your books allow us to break free from our daily routine, and escape to another place even if only for a moment. Thank you again for your support!”
Books donated on behalf of Darlington School were selected in accordance with strict guidelines. According to a letter from the organization, any books going to the Middle East muse not contain material critical of Islam or any other religion, and cover art must not show any female skin from the neck to knees.
“We sifted through books we had decided not to process (since they were paperback) and selected best sellers, mostly fiction, that met the guidelines,” said Gray.
Students enrolled in Bob McGraw’s community service after-school activity helped count and label each book.
“Community service is important to me and to our students, because it engages us in the world,” said McGraw, Upper School math teacher. “It makes us realize that there is a kinship and connection with all people. It also raises the students’ awareness about the needs of others within our community, our state, our nation and the world. Darlington has a motto: Knowledge more than wisdom; Service beyond self; Honor above everything. We try to get our students to move beyond these words and take action.”
Students volunteering in this effort included Hampton Williams, J.R. Scott, Thomas Ard and Quincy Matthews.
McGraw’s students also volunteer with Darlington’s school-wide recycling program, Habitat for Humanity, the Rebecca Blaylock Child Development Center (East) and in the school library.
Click here for more information or to find out how to participate in Operation Paperback.
“With the world situation, we felt it was a gift that would provide pleasure and relaxation to the men and women serving in our military services,” said Nancy Gray, librarian. “We are proud of the people who serve in our armed forces, and we want them to know how much we appreciate what they are doing. “
And according to feedback posted on Operation Paperback’s Web site, they do.
“To all at Operation Paperback, we have received your shipment of books and would like inform you that the books that we have received have been distributed to many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines as well as to many U.S. civilians working in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said one captain in his testimony. “It is the kindness and consideration that we in the military receive from you at Operation Paperback, the many organizations that contribute to your efforts and other organizations like yours that make us all extremely proud to serve our great nation. On behalf of all service members at home and abroad, I thank you for your kindness and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
Members of the 386th Composite Air Strike Force Kuwait also saluted Operation Paperback in its effort to support the U.S. military members while deployed. “Receiving your packages brings great pleasure, not only to the individuals who work here in the medical facility but to our patients as well,” said a spokesman for the 386th CASF Kuwait. “Your books allow us to break free from our daily routine, and escape to another place even if only for a moment. Thank you again for your support!”
Books donated on behalf of Darlington School were selected in accordance with strict guidelines. According to a letter from the organization, any books going to the Middle East muse not contain material critical of Islam or any other religion, and cover art must not show any female skin from the neck to knees.
“We sifted through books we had decided not to process (since they were paperback) and selected best sellers, mostly fiction, that met the guidelines,” said Gray.
Students enrolled in Bob McGraw’s community service after-school activity helped count and label each book.
“Community service is important to me and to our students, because it engages us in the world,” said McGraw, Upper School math teacher. “It makes us realize that there is a kinship and connection with all people. It also raises the students’ awareness about the needs of others within our community, our state, our nation and the world. Darlington has a motto: Knowledge more than wisdom; Service beyond self; Honor above everything. We try to get our students to move beyond these words and take action.”
Students volunteering in this effort included Hampton Williams, J.R. Scott, Thomas Ard and Quincy Matthews.
McGraw’s students also volunteer with Darlington’s school-wide recycling program, Habitat for Humanity, the Rebecca Blaylock Child Development Center (East) and in the school library.
Click here for more information or to find out how to participate in Operation Paperback.
