Ouachita Stories

The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community at Ouachita Baptist University recently donated more than 150 new books to Ascent Children’s Health Services in Arkadelphia to fulfill a need for books for preschool children enrolled there.

“Meeting the needs of children in our city is a high priority for the Elrod Center,” said Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement. “We recognize the importance of reading in the development of a child and are pleased to provide books that will bring hours of joy to the children being served.”

Leigh Anne McKinney, coordinator of public school initiatives; Diane Runyan, administrative assistant at the Elrod Center; and Tayler Koller, student program assistant, delivered the books to Justin Hardaway, Ascent’s admissions coordinator.  Cindy Meador is the director of Ascent.

“We look forward to delivering this gift of books each year,” McKinney noted. “It is our pleasure to see the eager acceptance of books by children who really appreciate having a book of their own to take home.

“This is the ninth consecutive year that funding through the Elrod Center made it possible for the center to provide these books,” she added. “We purchase board books suitable for babies and toddlers as well as sturdy paperback books for the older preschoolers.  We are thankful for the opportunity to share with these children.” Cindy Meador (second from left), director of Ascent Children’s Health Services in Arkadelphia, welcomes Elrod Center staff members (from left) Diane Runyan, administrative assistant; Tayler Koller, student program assistant; and Leigh Anne McKinney, coordinator of public school initiatives.“Ascent Children’s Health Services would like to thank the Elrod Center for providing books for our children,” Meador said. “It was wonderful to see the look on each child’s face when they realized they could pick their own book and bring it home with them.

“Not only did we get enough books for each child in our facility, but there are plenty more for each classroom to have extras.” Meador added.  “This was a wonderful gift and our children are grateful.”

Ouachita Baptist University established the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community in 1997 to encourage, coordinate and facilitate public service, volunteerism and community engagement throughout the state and region.  For information about the programs of the Elrod Center, call 870-245-5320.