Elmira College students in the Term III course, Global Altruism, are helping put books into the hands of African children. The students launched a service campaign to collect 500 books and raise the shipping costs to send the books to children’s libraries in Africa. The project is coordinated through a non-profit organization called the African Library Project.

“We are piloting a community service project with a Term III class, so students understand how to apply altruistic aims to a global campaign to help others, especially those in need,” said Dr. Mary Jo Mahoney, Associate Professor of English at Elmira College.

“This feels like a great accomplishment knowing you impact someone else’s life positively,” said Amber Fox ‘25, an English Literature major.

“It’s nice to know that we may have something to do with children reading and succeeding,” said Amaya Pinney ‘26, a Business Administration major.

“Learning about significant altruist people around the world feels inspiring. They make me want to help others who are less fortunate,” said Ryan Mattes ‘23, a Business Administration major.

“I am taken with the idea that something as simple as a book is considered a luxury to the people we’re reaching,” said Lillian Sensinger ‘26, a Childhood Education major.

So far the students have secured about 50 books and received a generous donation from Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

The African Library Project is dedicated to creating, improving, and sustaining libraries in African countries. The non-profit will partner the donations raised through the project with specific libraries in June.

How To Donate:

  • Place new or gently used children’s books (pre-K through 5th-grade reading level), in one of the following donation boxes on the EC Campus. Book donations will be collected through May 31, 2023.
    • McGraw Hall Lobby (near the entrance to the bookstore)
    • Gannett-Tripp Library Lobby
    • Information Desk in the Campus Center
  • Donate money for book purchases and shipping costs at this website.

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