Perhaps it was by chance or  maybe by design.

Before Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves  officially proclaimed the week of April 8-12 the Week of the Young Child in Troy, he took time to read his daily Bible verse.

Reeves shared, in part, that verse with the children at Troy Head Start Monday morning.

“Matthew 18: 3-5 says ‘… whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven…’ Reeves said. “You children are special, so special, that a week is set aside to celebrate young children and to make every effort that all children deserve a high- quality education.”

Reeves said Troy Head Start is the beginning of the high-quality education opportunities of children and young people in Troy.

“Early learning builds a strong foundation for future learning,” he said.

The mayor presented a proclamation to Dorsey Fayson, Troy Head Start center manager, declaring the week of April 8-12 the Week of the Young Child in Troy.

The young children at Troy Head Start had other special guests on Monday. Four Troy University students visited the center with boxes and boxes of books for the children.

Kandice Birmingham, Tonisheya Bynum, Takeysia McFugerson and Sonitria Dukes participated in a social development class project that resulted in the purchase and collection of age-appropriate books for young children.

“We visited university classes to let them know about the book drives and asked for donations of their loose change,” Birmingham said. “The donations totaled $148.42 and we used that money to buy new books.”

The classmates also sought book donations from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Troy Public Library, Walmart and libraries in Brewton and Birmingham.

A total of 362 books was donated.

The children expressed vocal appreciation for the books. Fayson had words of thanks for the young women for the books and also for their interest in and support of young children.

“Monday was our kickoff day for the Week of the Young Child and we have a full week of activities planned,” Fayson said. “On Tuesday, we have ‘Reuse, Reduce and Recycle’ and parents and grandparents will be invited to visit with their children and make a recycled project with them.”

On Wednesday, community members, including those from the Miss Elite Society, will come read to the children. Thursday will be safety day and members of the Troy Fire Department and Troy Police Department will visit with the children. Friday will be fun day with a parade and lots of games and activities.

Fayson said recruitment is underway for Head Start 2019-2020.

“Children ages 3 to 5 are eligible,” she said. “We can accept up to 100 children. The numbers to call  are 566-6595, 670-6907 and 56601712.