In September, in association with the Scripp's Howard Foundation, KSBY held a campaign to raise money so that faculty at a local school could purchase brand new books for their students. Due to the contributions that were received, a total of $30,000 was raised and KSBY was able to donate to not one but two local elementary schools. As a result, Arellanes Elementary School received 1,311 books and Oceano Elementary School received more than 1,700 books for students. This week, both schools held a book drive-through so students could pick-up their brand new books.
"It goes true with the saying that there is more happiness in giving than receiving," Cesar Ruiz, Arellanes' library media clerk said during the school's book distribution Wednesday.
During the book drive held at Arellanes Elementary School Wednesday morning, hundreds of lives were impacted in the blink of an eye as students received drawstring bags filled with brand new books. Teachers stayed busy handing out the book bags as cars filled with parents and students lined up in front of the school.
"The best part about today is being able to see my students and give them what is like a gift of learning," James Karp, a sixth-grade teacher at Arellanes Elementary School said.
Hand-selected books curated for each grade are providing age-appropriate material for every student.
"Now they got excited and say, hey, I can challenge myself and read something at my level," Ruiz said. "Once they feel a hardcover they feel appreciated and given that attention. "
For some students, this will be the beginning of their own at-home library.
"Getting brand new books is kind of special because some kids don't have much books so it gives them the chance to read more and more stories and they're learning something new too," Aaliyah Moreno, a 4th-grade student at Arellanes Elementary School said.
Back at Oceano Elementary School, fifth-graders were the first of many classes this week to receive their brand-new books.
"They're awesome titles," Kelci Gonzales, a library technician at Oceano Elementary School said. "I mean there are really popular characters, popular new books, California Young Reader Medal books, award winners, so they're really quality books."
New titles for young readers with growing minds, just like fifth-grader Ailime Billa.
"I enjoy reading because it gives you a calming place and it lets you relax and just keep your mind on something," Billa said.
These books are more than just pages to turn and will have lasting impacts on these students.
"We have a lot of students that have never had their own book at home and so now everyone is going to have their own books at home," Gonzalez said.
The books donated this week are just half of what the schools will be receiving. A second book distribution will be happening at both schools in May before the summer break.
