NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s First Lady Jennifer Maggio will be collecting art supplies for classrooms as the second year of her service initiative, Forks Up for Literacy, begins.
“Teachers use artwork to help teach language arts, so we are looking for things like finger paints, washable paints, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, paint brushes and art smocks,” she said.
Maggio will again have a collection site at Collins Pavilion during tailgating on NSU home football game days with help from Purple Jackets honor society, the Alpha Beta Alpha library club and other volunteers. Donors can bring items to the tailgate prior to home football games and drop them off at the Pavilion.
Since last September, Maggio collected about 5,000 books for the Forks Up for Literacy children’s book drive that were distributed to schools and youth centers throughout the region. The number far surpassed her original goal of 1,884, which corresponds to the year of NSU’s founding.
Maggio is also networking with the first ladies at other institutions in the University of Louisiana System and hopes to incorporate service initiatives on Saturdays that NSU hosts Grambling, Nicholls and McNeese for home games.
Maggio began the Forks Up for Literacy last year in conjunction with the investiture of her husband, Dr. Chris Maggio, as NSU’s 19th president. Her focus on service has been an intrinsic part of life, continuing from her years as a teacher and school administrator. As first lady she has actively engaged with student groups and others to encourage them to assist with needs in the community.
For more information on Forks Up for Literacy, contact Maggio at maggioj@nsula.edu.
