Youth-Led BookBoundNJ Honored for 500-Book Donation to Hospitals, Shelters

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners honored BookBoundNJ for its donation of over 500 books to children's hospitals, teen shelters, and similar places. The ceremony took place at a workshop meeting in Freehold.

Emily Kim and Amanda Wong started the group. Both received a certificate recognizing what they'd accomplished. Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone presented the award.

"BookBoundNJ is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underprivileged children with access to books," Arnone said, per a news release. "Each book donated is specifically packed and curated for those receiving it."

Students hold book drives. They maintain drop boxes scattered around the region. Each book gets paired with a specific child based on what that kid wants and needs.

Commissioner Erik Anderson praised what the students had done. He works as a liaison to the Monmouth County Superintendent of Schools.

"Reading is so important for the growth and empowerment of young people," said Anderson. "BookBoundNJ fills a vital need by bringing books to those without access, and we're proud to support the students whose love of reading inspired them to start this effort and continue to lead it."

Who does this nonprofit serve? Kids who can't get books on their own. Hospital patients receive them. So do shelter residents and other underserved groups across the county.

Students manage everything. They collect materials, sort them, and distribute them to recipient groups. The founders built this initiative around two things: their love of reading and their desire to help kids in need.

That 500-book milestone? It represents countless hours spent running collection drives and sorting through donated materials. Student volunteers did all that work. The group still accepts donations through drop box locations scattered across the county.

Want more information about Monmouth County programs and services? Visit www.visitmonmouth.com. The county also posts updates on its social media accounts.