Miss University France Beard and Rebel visit with Kameron Reynolds at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson.
JACKSON, Miss. – Miss University France Beard continued her campaign to promote reading in Mississippi Wednesday (May 27) by delivering books and smiles to children’s faces at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson.
Beard and Ole Miss mascot Rebel delivered 130 books to patients receiving care throughout the hospital.
By promoting reading at the children’s hospital, Beard is combining her platform with Miss America’s platform of fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network.
“I think it’s important to encourage reading among young children, especially here in Mississippi,” Beard said. “I loved that so many kids were excited to get a book and start reading.”
“It brightens their day getting to see visitors,” said Bruce Beal, a recreation therapist at the hospital. “The books are much appreciated because they give the children a way to entertain themselves and take their mind off of their treatment.”
Beard delivered more than 1,600 books to four needy elementary and middle schools earlier this month.
Miss University will discuss this platform when she represents the University of Mississippi at the Miss Mississippi competition June 24-28 in Vicksburg.