Jill Miller and Lisa Badalamenti-Compel have been actively engaged in working with the ACS Student Council in driving the “Snack Pack for the Mind” program (also known as the “Books for All”). Under their direction, the grades 3-5 student council representatives have launched this effort and a letter writing campaign to generate new book donations for distribution. The students have already received responses from well-known author J.K. Rowling and Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle and enthusiastic support from the community.

Sadly, not all Leonia elementary school children or their families can always afford new books. Numerous research studies have found a direct correlation between children who regularly read and academic/professional success later in life. The “Books For All” campaign is designed to help narrow the gap between the haves and have nots by putting new books in the hands of some students who might not otherwise receive them. Nearly 11% of Leonians are living on incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level. While a new book in the hands of an elementary student might not be the first thing which comes to mind when we think about how many families are struggling economically, it is without a doubt one of the most impactful gifts a child can get.

The books are being distributed along with the Weekend Snack Packs of healthy food that each Friday are discretely put in the backpacks of ACS children who receive free or reduced priced school meals during the week and are registered in the Rotary’s Snack Pack program by their parents. The recipients are totally anonymous. However, the teachers report that “one particular student hugged her snack pack and inquired about when she would receive her next book”.

The Rotary Club of The Palisades applauds the ACS students and Jill Miller and Lisa Compel, ACS Student Council Moderators and Literacy Library Educators, for their initiative in spearheading the “Books For All” program.

Volunteer Opportunities

Donate books to this program. Please contact us here for information on the type and reading level of books this project requires.