Last month, a service-minded Paul VI High School student organized a book drive to give young hospital patients a reason to smile.
Samantha Conn’s “Books for Bright Futures” initiative at the school collected more than 550 books for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The high school junior got the idea during her winter break, when she was visiting a friend with appendicitis who was staying at the hospital.
“I just saw the environment, and I didn’t realize how lucky I had it,” she recalled.
Following her visit, Conn knew she wanted to give back to the community, and a book drive came to mind. Books, she thought, could help patients pass the time and transport them into different worlds and narratives found in a story.
Conn considers herself a voracious reader. “It makes you smarter, it shows you different stories … books can be relatable with deeper meaning.”
She also thought books were the best idea, because unlike a backpack or toy drive, “students would be more likely to bring in multiples,” she said.
The two-week word-of-mouth campaign at the Haddonfield school had students drop off reading materials – ranging from baby board books to chapter books for middle schoolers and high schoolers – in the cafeteria.
Conn was in awe at the quick response she got from her Paul VI peers, faculty and staff.
“I’m so overwhelmed with joy. Service means very little without the help of others. It’s amazing how many people did something without thinking of getting anything back.”
The books were delivered to the hospital on Wednesday, April 22.
Conn is planning to continue the book drive next year at the school, while at the same time is also thinking of a service project for the fall.
She credits this desire to give back to her Catholic school education.
“The school has strengthened my faith, and every day I wake up thinking what more there is for me to do,” Conn said.
“I was praying to God to show me how to help others,” and He pointed her to the drive, she knew.
Conn knows she couldn’t have done this without her peers, or her parents, Kristine and Dave, who have inspired her and shown their support for this project.
With the 556 books now, or soon to be, in the hands of those who need them, Conn hopes the recipients feel relief.
“I hope they know so many [people] wanted to help them, and how excited [they were] to bring the books for them.”
Jamie Ruiz, Conn’s dance team coach at Paul VI, said she isn’t surprised at Conn’s initiative, noting that the junior is a hardworking student who has a genuine care for others.
“Sam is always trying to make people smile and lighten their burdens,” Ruiz said.
In encouraging her peers and teachers to help, Conn’s actions “will make a huge impact on the children and families at CHOP,” Ruiz continued. “We should all seek to live our lives as Sam does –selflessly and actively bringing joy to others!”
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