WEST CHESTER, PA — Students and staff from West Chester Area School District’s Rustin High School spent October and November collecting books for the third Annual Children’s Book Drive to benefit children and young adults throughout Chester County. Students involved in the American Latino Program, National Honors Society, Library Advisory Board, and Literature for Leaders Clubs sponsored the drive and sorted through over 22 boxes overflowing with new and gently used books.
Organizing the Book Drive brought together more than just piles, boxes, and bags of books; it also gave students an opportunity to develop new friendships and give back to their community.
“I had a great time helping with the Book Drive,” said Rustin student Caroline Rendell. “Getting to work together with friends while supporting a good cause is a great experience.”
Student Caitlyn Lakofsky echoed Rendell’s thoughts, “It was so much fun making new friends and helping others at the same time.”
Following the Book Drive, more than 1,800 books are being donated to community agencies such as Community Volunteers in Medicine, Maternity Care of Einstein Hospital, Library Laundromat League, WC Friends Association, Young Parents of CCIU, and the Domestic Violence Center. The books will then be distributed to the families these organizations serve. Rustin teachers from the World Language department also donated books written in Spanish for district families in need.
“It is wonderful to share these books with children who like to read, just as I do, in time for the holidays,” said student Sienna Marciano.
Rustin High School students and staff plan to continue holding the Book Drive each year and encourage the community to consider donating books to the cause next fall.
“The Book Drive continues to grow each year, and we are so grateful for our community’s help and our students’ enthusiasm,” said Rustin Gifted Resource & Learning Support Teacher Kimberly Freese. “It is thanks to them that we continue to get valuable books into the hands of families who may not otherwise have many books at home,” she added.
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