The RCHS UNICEF Club held a book drive from Sept. 14 to Oct. 5 to provide books for local elementary schools. 

Not only was this an opportunity for UNICEF members to earn community service hours, it was a way to give back to children in the community, which is what UNICEF aims to do.

The schools that received these books were Terra Vista Intermediate, Windrows Elementary, and East Heritage Elementary. Donations were open to all students at RCHS, and books were to be dropped off in Ms. Windy Brown’s room.  

Several preparations went into planning and putting this event together. 

“We had to contact elementary schools in order to ask if they were accepting donations,” senior and UNICEF co-president Navdeep Tahker said. 

Tahker also said that officers had to set up Ms. Brown’s room for the donations. 

“Overall the book drive went well,” senior and event coordinator Alexa Romero said. “We got two full boxes, I would estimate around 50 books.” 

This is the first year that UNICEF did the drive independently. Last year, they collaborated with the National Honors Society. 

“We got more books last year only because it was required… it was not required this year,” Romero said. 

Romero explained that the book drive was important because it made others aware of those who are less fortunate. She was excited to “contribute to what would make others happy.”  

The next UNICEF event happening this month is the “Trick or Treat Fundraiser.” 

“Students can participate in this fundraiser by donating to the little orange boxes in their second-period class,” said Romero. 

More information can be found on the UNICEF Instagram. Follow @unicefrchs for more details.