“The Avid Book Drive is a great opportunity for students to give back to our community,” said AVID teacher Mrs. Tammy Manske.

The AVID book drive took place from February 25 to March 1, 2019.  Manske coordinates the event each year at MacArthur. The purpose of the book drive is to donate to CHOC, Children’s Hospital Orange County, and the Orange County Rescue Mission.  

“I think it’s really cool that we could donate books to sick people at CHOC,” said seventh-grader Matthew Morales.  At CHOC, they created a library in the wellness center for children to read. For example, when children are receiving treatment, they may choose to read a book to pass the time.  Reading can make the time fly by and help to make the hospital experience more positive for children.

To raise awareness, AVID students did morning announcements to remind students to donate any types of books to their first-period teacher.

“I think this is a good way to show our spirit, pride, and achievement in our school,” said seventh-grader Alexandra Romero.  

According to Manske, there were approximately 1,400 books donated this year.  The most books collected by MacArthur was 4,000.  This year, the class with the most donated books was Technology Teacher Mr. Kevin Papke first period.  The seventh graders were awarded 5 lucre each.

After all the books were collected, Manske, with the help of a few students, delivered the books to the hospital and the rescue mission.  According to Manske, there are also other schools who participate in the book drive.  For MacArthur, this is the sixth year students have donated.  

“It is a great opportunity for our students to give back to the community and to promote literacy,” said Manske.