New Tampa resident and Liberty Middle School seventh grade student Elaine Feaster wanted to get books into the hands of kids who may not have them, as a project for her Girl Scout Silver Award.
Now, after dedicating 60 hours to her initiative, she has donated a total of 4,000 books, thanks to the generosity of the New Tampa community.
On February 22, Elaine wrapped up her community service project by donating more than 1,700 books to Edison Elementary in North Tampa, in memory of her great aunt Linda Jones, who was a teacher at the school for many years and who championed literacy.
Over the 10 months of her project, Elaine received and donated:
• 1,500 books to Foster Elem.
• 1,700 to Edison Elem.
• 200 to the Salvation Army (cookbooks, religious materials, books for adults, etc.)
• 60 brand new books to Metropolitan Ministries at Christmas
• 50 middle-school level books to her own school, Liberty
• 400 books to the Parents & Children Advance Together (PCAT) family literacy program
“When she was beginning to plan the project in January 2017, she only expected to collect 500 books,” says Elaine’s mom, Jane Feaster, “so the community support has been very overwhelming.”
To earn her Silver Award, Elaine had to spend at least 50 community service hours on a project that will have a lasting impact on the community.
The Cadette in Troop 1247, which meets at St. James Church on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Tampa Palms, says she was inspired by the Girl Scout Law. “It says to make the world a better place, and I want to do that for kids in need.”
No comment yet, add your voice below!