Books Bring Blessings for All

Ever since January’s earthquake struck Haiti, children—like so many adults—have sought to help. Meeting the urgent needs of those impacted quickly became a topic at Lower School Director Mike Moyle’s weekly meetings with the Lower School Student Council.

After generating a list of several ways that funds could be raised, the Council—comprised of students in grades one through five—decided to do a used children’s book sale. Communications went out to all Lower School families to donate books they were willing to pass along to others. From picture books to chapter books, the sale inventory grew. Students and parent-helpers organized the books and managed the cash box for the two-day sale. “There were some pretty cool books there,” said a third grader. “For only a dollar, I bought a chapter book and an awesome Star Wars book with tons of cool pictures in it.”

There were plenty of satisfied shoppers, and when it was all said and done, $278 was collected. Using The Christian Science Monitor as a reference for determining where the money should go, students all agreed to make their donation to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.

“This event blessed people in three ways,” said Moyle. “It raised money for Haiti. It re-circulated children’s books among Principia families. And finally, donated books that weren’t sold were given to a local organization that supports abused women and their children.”