In June, members of the AYLUS Morris Branch partnered with the Chatham Library to launch a meaningful community donation drive, encouraging residents to “share the fun and learning” by donating gently used books, games, puzzles, CDs, and vinyl. The goal of the initiative was to support the library’s community programming while promoting sustainability and a love for reading.
Over the course of several weeks, AYLUS members dedicated their time to collecting donations from families and neighbors throughout the area. They organized and sorted the items with care, ultimately gathering an impressive 192 books. On June 21 at 11:00 AM, the volunteers delivered the collection to the Chatham Library. The library staff gratefully received the donation and expressed their appreciation, noting that it was the biggest donation received for this event.
The books will be used to support future library book sales and public programs, allowing them to benefit many more readers in the local community. This project reflected AYLUS’s commitment to leadership, service, and education, and it gave members the opportunity to directly impact their surroundings in a positive way.
The success of this collaboration demonstrates how small actions—like passing along a favorite book—can have a wide-reaching effect. By working closely with the Chatham Library, the AYLUS Morris Branch not only helped provide valuable resources but also strengthened the bond between youth volunteers and local institutions. The drive encouraged reuse, learning, and a spirit of giving, all while empowering young people to take initiative and serve their community. AYLUS Morris Branch is proud of the outcome and looks forward to continuing similar projects that uplift, educate, and inspire.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Xiang Li, Kelly Nie, Han Li, Shirley Nie, William Liu, Ivy Bai, Emma Bai
1 hour poster designing and drawing: Shirley Nie
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang