Troy University’s College of Education donated about 200 books Friday to Kelly Springs Elementary School in Dothan, enough for each of the school’s kindergartners, first graders and second graders.

Faculty, staff and students at the Dothan Campus recently collected books and money as part of Warriors for Reading, an initiative aimed at bringing reading opportunities to children.

“We got several hundred books, and this is the first time we’ve done it here,” said Dr. Kirk Davis, the College of Education’s Director of Operations at the Dothan Campus. “This gives children the opportunity to have a book that belongs to them, that they can take home.”

Many of the books were donated, while the college bought others with money donated to the program.

“I’m thankful TROY is doing this program, because our children are the ones who are going to benefit,” said Kelly Springs Principal Wanda Dismukes. “Right now, with the restructuring (of Dothan City Schools), our library has actually closed, so this is an added help to our teachers and their classrooms to have these books. When the students can take anything home in their hands, they value that so much.”

Davis credited the Warriors for Reading idea to Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Dean of the College of Education.

“She has a passion for reaching out to the community,” said Davis, who added that he hopes to see the program continue and improve in coming years. “Hopefully next year we’ll have enough books for the entire school.”