Schools

Brielle Girl Uses Bat Mitzvah to Collect over 2,000 Books

Ranney School Eighth grader Kyra Citron delivered boxes filled with children's books to Bridge of Books

When  student Kyra Citron, 13, learned she needed to fulfill a community service project for her Bat Mitzvah, she could have simply documented her work within the Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) or her volunteer hours in the library. Instead, the Brielle resident decided to take on a mission that is important to her – reading. She organized a book drive within her school and community.

On Nov. 5, Kyra delivered nearly 2,000 books toBridge of Books' storage facility in Red Bank. Kyra’s efforts resulted in the largest book drive in BoB’s history. Books from every age range and interest stocked the walls of BoB’s storage unit and will be sent to programs including schools, shelters and child advocacy groups. 

Kyra added to the impact by kicking off the long anticipated “Kids Corner” for CLF and awarding the first grant. Kyra presented a check for $5,000 to BoB, not only so they can continue their excellent works, but also to build on her dream that every child has the opportunity to enjoy her favorite pastime – reading.

mission is to provide an ongoing source of books to underprivileged and at-risk children throughout New Jersey in order to support literacy skills and to encourage a love of reading. BoB's goal is to get as many books as possible into the hands of New Jersey’s at risk and underserved children.

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According to their Web site: The Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) supports innovative and effective ways of helping people help themselves and others around them to achieve healthy, satisfying and enriched lives. The Foundation supports organizations working in four main areas: education, children’s advocacy, medical research & issues, and the arts.


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