Hands Across Campus launches January book drive for local elementary

Book Drive 2026

During January, Hands Across Campus held a book drive with assistance from school librarian Mrs. Chelsea Almer. The donated books will be given to Mount Washington Elementary School.

“Any adult books or books that we don’t think are appropriate for Mount Washington Elementary will go to the Friends of the Public Library,” Almer said.

The book collection, sponsored by Hands Across Campus, began in December and has been promoted through the weekly parent newsletter. Donations can be dropped off on campus throughout January in the donation bins on the table in the library near the foyer window. Book donation bins are identified by flight number and donations will earn flight points. The flight that donates the most books will receive either a sweatpants day or an out-of-uniform day.

“We’ve done this book drive before for Mount Washington Elementary, and they were so grateful to get those books,” Almer noted. “The kids were super excited.”

Donations may be new or gently used, without damage or personalization. The books will be boxed up and ready to donate on Jan. 30 during McNick’s Love in Action Day, which ends Catholic Schools Week.

“We decided that January would be a good time to do it, so that over Christmas break, parents and students could, maybe, go through their collections, and their personal bookshelves at home,” Almer explained.

Three years ago, the event was inspired and sponsored by the National Honor Society. Hands Across Campus now leads the event at McNicholas High.

“I hope that people bring books in,” Almer added.