Now in its fourth year, Chattanooga State’s Donald F. Andrews College Reading & Writing Center partnered with Breakaway Outreach to sponsor Operation Christmas Hope during the recent holiday season. Breakaway Outreach is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Jimmy and Cindy Larche, mobilizing communities to empower the lives of at-risk youth, vulnerable children, and underserved communities with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Ninety-six books were gifted during a party for the children and their caregivers on December 10 at Ooltewah United Methodist Church.

Operation Christmas Hope gives children who have a parent in prison an opportunity to not only get toys and clothes for Christmas but also to get the gift of learning with books. “As a parent who always gave my kids books, and read to my children daily, I feel it is important to pass this lifelong learning to other children that don't necessarily have the same advantages as my children did,” states event coordinator Michele Hough, Manager of the Reading & Writing Center. According to Hough, every child on the list received books that were purchased by faculty and staff at Chattanooga State Community College.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s Donald F. Andrews College Reading & Writing Center, please contact Michele Hough at 423-697-2506 or email michele.hough@chattanoogastate.edu.