As a free, boarding school for disadvantaged and at-risk young men, the West End School truly makes a powerful impact on the lives of its students. We recently connected with the school and learned that the library for West End’s elementary students lacked tables and chairs, space for learning and reading, important books and even a catalog system to check out items to students.
Understanding that libraries have always been a cornerstone for reading and education for people from all walks of life, we knew we had to help.
Last week, my associates and I surprised more than 90 elementary school students from the West End School with a library makeover. Amazon donated $10,000 worth of design consultation, furniture, decor, books, Fire Kids Edition tablets, and catalog system to help enable the library to be a more functional space for students. In addition to the donation, more than 20 Amazon associates donated volunteer hours and spent the day putting together furniture, moving shelves, stocking books and decorating the room.
When it came time for the surprise, we greeted kids with applause as they entered the renovated library and watched their eyes widen with excitement. Instantly, groups of students started gathering in small areas of the library to explore their new space and donations. We had kids checking out their Fire Kids Edition tablets on the brand-new rug while impromptu reading sessions happened in the sitting and reading pod areas around the library.
We are thrilled to be able to make over the school library and give students a place where their excitement for reading and learning can continue to grow. In addition to fulfilling customer orders, we are always looking for ways to give back to our local communities and support children’s education. This event gave new meaning to Amazon Fulfillment and was definitely one for the books!
