Starting this Monday, the National Honor Society (NHS) is hosting its first ever book drive for students at the KIPP Heartwood Academy.
NHS has had a long-standing relationship with KIPP Heartwood and its students, who range from 10 to 14 years old and have been tutored by NHS members on a monthly basis. NHS members and officers decided that these students, many of whom are underprivileged, would benefit from having more books to read.
“NHS thought that the students could use books, and there are so many new and also used books that Harker students have and don’t necessarily need any more. Jenny Chen (12) and some of the other officers decided to put together this book drive where they can donate books to students at KIPP,” NHS advisor Jennifer Siraganian said.
Many of the members greatly enjoy working with the young children and hope that the extra books will further their love of learning. From picture stories to high school novels, the books are meant to cater to all students.
“KIPP already has a sizable collection of books, but with the resources and privileges we students enjoy here at Harker, our donations could greatly enhance the literary world the KIPP kids get to experience,” NHS community service director Samantha Hoffman (12) said. “If one kid finds a book in there that inspires him in some way, we will have accomplished our goal.”
Few students at the Upper School have participated in the book drive so far due to the lack of publicity.
“The response to the book drive has been rather low, unfortunately. It has been just a week though. People may not have had the time to look around for their old books and to bring them all the way to school,” NHS president Jenny said. “We hope to get at least a box or two of books to bring to KIPP. Perhaps with greater advertising and making the collection boxes more visible, we will be able to do so.”
The book drive will continue through AP week and students can drop off books in front of Siraganian’s room, advisor Evan Barth’s room, and the edge.