Gammon book fund garners $1,751 for books at Lawson

The Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation's "Dr. Nancy Gammon Memorial Book Fund" recently wrapped up its inaugural campaign to benefit Lawson Elementary School.

The book fund was established last year by Eric Weddle and his wife, Camille, to support literacy throughout Jefferson City Public Schools, in honor of Eric's mother.

In its campaign, the fund collected $1,751 from private and public donors, which allowed Lawson to purchase 378 new grade-level books.

Lawson's Principal Patricia Tavenner told the News Tribune last December a literacy set of six books would be purchased for students at all grade levels, starting at kindergarten through fifth grade

The Weddles worked with Lawson and the foundation since October 2015 to get the book drive started.

Donations were collected from local community members and businesses and deposited into a fund managed by the JCPS Foundation. Scholastic also contributed books.

With the inventory change, Lawson staff donated some of their used books to South Elementary School.

South has also been selected to be the next recipient of The Dr. Nancy Gammon Memorial Book Fund for the 2017-18 campaign.

"On the heels of a successful first year, the fund has hit the ground running and will again be seeking monetary donations in addition to book donations to bolster literary reading sets at South Elementary School," according to a news release.

The news release noted planning is underway with South Elementary Principal Angela Otiker and Instructional Literary Coach Jessica Smith.

One hundred percent of donations to the book fund are given directly to the chosen school through the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation.

People can stay current on upcoming events by visiting "The Dr. Nancy Gammon Memorial Book Fund" Facebook page.

For more information about the fund or for questions about contributing, people can contact Karen Enloe, executive director of the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation, at 573-659-3549 or [email protected].