By Kathy Chouteau
A local Girl Scout Troop is kicking off the season of sharing with a book drive benefiting Richmond’s Lincoln Elementary at a time when they have less access to school libraries due to remote learning. And the best part? You can help.
Now through Dec. 15, Kensington-based Girl Scout Troop 30643 is seeking donations of books in English, Spanish and Arabic for Kindergarten through sixth grade children. Lincoln Elementary teachers have created a “wish list,” which can been seen here. To donate, look for drop off boxes troop members have placed at these locations: Raxakoul Coffee and Cheese in Kensington; Kensington Veterinary Hospital; and Korematsu Middle School’s main office in El Cerrito. Book donations can also be sent directly to Lincoln Elementary School, 29 Sixth St., Richmond, CA 94801-3595.
“Books are marvelous things that help you get to know people who have different experiences from you and to experience different times and places and worlds. This is particularly important during COVID when we don’t have as many opportunities to interact with other people. Books help us make friends—even if they are imaginary—and feel less alone,” said 12-year-old troop member Lillian Johansson, about the inspiration for the project.
The six members of the troop have been together for six years, meeting at the Kensington Community Center, Arlington Church, and amid the pandemic, on Zoom.
“We at Lincoln pride ourselves on being a community school where we creatively and strategically work to meet the needs of the whole child,” said Lincoln School Principal Taylor Parham. “Right now, while we are 100 percent virtual, we are looking for ways to stay connected with our kids and their families. We’re so grateful for this book donation, because it sends the message that others [outside of Lincoln] care about our students and their well-being.”
For more info about the book drive, check out the troop’s website.
