Volunteer Stories - Samantha
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Listening to Alice Layton talk at school inspired me to try to do something to help the children of Guyana. |
This past winter, I attended an assembly at my school, the Elisabeth Morrow School in New Jersey, given by Alice Layton. I was struck by the lack of learning materials, especially the lack of books in Guyana. I knew I wanted to do something to help the people living there.
Ms. Layton was friends with my school librarian Mrs. Schuster. Mrs. Schuster gave me the idea of organizing a book drive. First, I sent out a flyer in our weekly news letter stating what I was doing and asking for book donations. The book club at school, Young Critics, helped me decorate a box for the books.
In the beginning barely any books came in. I had to remind the students to contribute books. All of a sudden one day, I went into the library, and saw my box overflowing with books. More and more nooks started to come in. I was so excited to be helping others with my project. I felt like I was doing something good.
Over the month of May many books came in. I even went to one student's house to pick up a lot of books. During study hall periods, I would go to organize them.
The project was not done when school ended. After school one day, Mrs. Schuster and I organized 12 boxes of books to be shipped. The books would be just a small part of a larger shipment going out to Guyana. I was overjoyed that I had done something to help the people in Guyana.
Mrs. Layton inspired me so much. By doing this project, I am thrilled to be helping someone else instead of just thinking of myself. I hope that I can continue to help the people in Guyana with this worthwhile endeavor.
Samantha
Student at Elisabeth Morrow School
New Jersey, USA