Starting in the first week of December, student participants from HB Interact club organized a donation fundraiser for children’s books lasting until mid-December. Sophie Wenzel, a junior at HBHS and the president of HB Interact Club, brought forth this project with the goal to provide access to literature at no cost for children. 

This project was jump-started with preused books of the student participants of HB Interact.  As  Wenzel mentioned, “There are a lot of old books that I read years ago that are now collecting dust in my basement, and now it’s going to a greater cause.”

The donation was carried through by advertising to the rest of the students in HBHS by the cafeteria entrance during all lunch periods. Many said the number of donated books at the beginning was sparse, but later on skyrocketed.

“During the second week, tons of people were excited to give us books that they didn’t need anymore, and a lot of students and staff members approached me in the hallway and asked if they could donate books even after the drive ended, ” said Wenzel. The drive came to a close with books not only donated from students, but even books teachers read in their childhood, like English teacher Jordan Cormier who donated many of hers.

Sage Cospito, the personal relations officer for HB Interact, described the outcome of the drive to be “reaching expectations,” continuing to say, “We got a lot of books, way more than I personally was expecting–It was really good.” 

The drive ultimately came to a close with, as Sage expressed it to be “ three large boxes full of books that people donated.” Children were given access to a variety of literature during the holiday season because of this project. HB Interact accomplished a way to give holiday spirit to those who struggle to be part of the festivities. Another step in bringing our community together.