The Woodbridge School District welcomed volunteers from the Delaware Foster Grandparent Program on Friday, September 11, as they delivered donated books to students at the Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, and Woodbridge Middle School.

Organized by Troy Hill, the book donation was part of a larger service project that collected and counted more than 9,000 books. Each of the three Woodbridge schools received 100 books to support students and encourage a love of reading.

The book collection was part of Delaware’s participation in the 1,000,000 Acts of Kindness initiative associated with the 9/11 National Day of Service. Hill explained that choosing books for the project held special significance because President George W. Bush was reading with elementary school students when he first learned of the September 11 attacks.

“President George W. Bush was reading a book to kids when the 9/11 attack occurred,” Hill said. He felt that collecting and donating books to children was a fitting way to honor the day through an act of service and kindness.

Before traveling to the schools, volunteers participated in a brief remembrance service honoring September 11. Wearing their “Unite for Good – 9/11 Day” shirts, volunteers then delivered the books to Woodbridge students.

At the Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, administrators Dane Sears, Adam Warner, and Brittany Thornton welcomed the volunteers and accepted the generous donation. At Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, Principal Zach Huber and Assistant Principal Megan Hicks accepted the books on behalf of their students and school community. At Woodbridge Middle School, Dr. Dawn Lybarger and Jordan Vasquez welcomed the group and expressed their appreciation for the donation and the volunteers’ commitment to serving others.

The project brought remembrance and service together, providing new reading opportunities for Blue Raiders while honoring the spirit of unity, kindness, and helping others associated with the 9/11 National Day of Service.

The Woodbridge School District extends its sincere appreciation to Troy Hill, the Delaware Foster Grandparent Program, and all of the volunteers who helped collect, organize, and deliver more than 9,000 books through this meaningful project.