Christiansburg-based organization collecting books for summer reading program

Community Housing Partners, a Christiansburg-based non-profit, is holding a book drive to help students avoid experiencing the "summer slide."

That's an expression that refers to the academic regression many students go through over summer vacation.

The organization is collecting books for its summer reading program that it hopes can help keep students' minds fresh for the next school year.

"Summers often get filled with vacations and a bunch of different activities and some of our families that live in our communities of low income don't necessarily have access to those summer camps and learning opportunities," said Tiffany Slusher, the resident services director of programs. "And so, we wanted to make sure that, at minimum, we make sure that they can have books in their hands."

Community members can bring new or gently used books to two locations through May 10.

The drop-off sites include C.H.P.’s corporate headquarters at 448 Depot Street NE and the C.H.P. Energy Solutions Research and Training Center at 550 Industrial Drive, both in Christiansburg.