Homecoming commission sponsors children’s book drive

As classes prepare to perform their own interpretation of “Alice in Wonderland,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” students will have the opportunity to donate these story books and more to children in need.

The Homecoming commission is sponsoring a children’s book drive for charity from Sept. 12 through Sept. 30. At the end of Homecoming week the books will be donated to either the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House, or both if enough books are collected.

Books or coloring books with markers can be dropped off in the office in each respective class bin in the main office. The books must be in new or gently used condition. Classes will have the opportunity to earn class points by donating books, as well as decorating their designated boxes.

“The boxes will be judged based on ‘pizzazz factor,’” according to Homecoming head commissioner Allison Toh. “Each book will be considered one point, and at the end of each week, the commission will go through the boxes to assure the quality of the donations.”

According to the other Homecoming head commissioner, junior Priscilla Chu, the drive was started with the intention of doing good in the midst of a traditionally spirit-filled week.

“[The Homecoming committee] wanted to throw in some more good flowing vibes … by helping out for charity!” Chu said. “I think it just makes Homecoming all the better by helping others.”

The ASB agreed and supported the idea of a book drive.

“Homecoming’s about school spirit, school involvement; but it’d be nice to translate that into some community involvement as well,” said ASB president Anshu Siripurapu. “The theme is ‘children’s stories,’ so why not have the children’s book drive to give back?”

The tie-in with current Homecoming festivities should help attract attention and donations.

“I think a lot of the community service … at this school is underrepresented and not publicized enough,” said senior ASB head commissioner Varsha Ramesh, “whereas when we incorporate it with Homecoming, people know [about the event].”

The school plans to continue this trend of tying in school spirit with giving back in the years to come.

“I think there will be some kind of charity every year,” Ramesh said. “I feel like it’s up to the Homecoming commission … I’m sure they’ll continue the community service aspect of [Homecoming].”