SGR holds book drive in the media center

Students for Global Responsibility (SGR) is currently hosting a book drive in the media center that will continue until March 6. The books will be donated to Linkages to Learning, a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Montgomery County Health and Human Services collaborative organization that provides services to those in need and at-risk students.

Linkages to Learning provides students in need with everyday school supplies and access to proper learning materials. According to their website, the group not only sponsors literary initiatives, but also works towards helping foster strong environments for at-risk students.

The books can be dropped off in the library throughout the day in a box that has been placed by the doors. English classrooms on the first floor also have boxes where students can drop books off. There is no limit to the number of books students give, or any restrictions on what types of books should be donated as long as the books are appropriate for MCPS students of all ages. Although the drive is scheduled to end tomorrow, SGR is willing to extend the deadline if the turnout is large enough.

According to SGR member Shayna Solomon, who is in charge of the fundraiser, the drive was initiated after a club meeting in which many seniors realized they had extra books that they could donate. "Personally, I realized as I was emptying out my bookshelf that this was an experience that likely a lot of seniors who are getting ready to leave home may be having," she said. Solomon also mentioned that the club had sponsored successful book drives in the past.

SGR has not set a goal for the number of books they want to collect, however, they are hoping to donate as many as possible – a goal they perceive as possible due to Blair's large student body population. "It is our job to contribute to the long-term success of those students in our community who cannot afford books. This is so important, but not very difficult for Blair students to help with," Solomon said.

Solomon hopes that SGR will be able to amass enough books to help support Linkages to Learning in their efforts to strengthen the education of MCPS students. "Books mean so much to the success of a student, but when a parent has to decide between spending money on food and shelter or on books the money clearly goes to the material necessities," she said. "We hope every Blair student will be able to find a book that they could contribute at no cost to themselves."