Kearney School District families are invited to help two of our secondary students turn gently used books into a meaningful gift for children across the Kansas City area.

Luke and Kate Vanderstel, members of the National Honor Society at Kearney High School and the National Junior Honor Society at Kearney Junior High, are organizing a used book drive as part of their community service project. Their effort will support Lead to Read KC, a local nonprofit that provides books and reading mentors to help improve student literacy in high-need areas of Kansas City.

Families are encouraged to donate gently used children’s books for preschool through eighth-grade readers. The most-needed items include culturally diverse and bilingual books, as well as high-interest books such as graphic novels.

Books may be dropped off at any Kearney School District elementary school through Wednesday, May 20.

Porch pickup is also available by request. To schedule a pickup, text “BOOKS” and your address to 816-826-8606. Books should be placed outside your front door by 2 p.m. Pickup will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, and Saturday, May 16.

Lead to Read KC also accepts cash donations to purchase books at a discount. Families can learn more at leadtoreadkc.org/donate.

Questions may be emailed to vanderstel54@ksdr1.net.