After successful debut, GCP hosts encore book drive at Brookdale for Sylvia’s Children

By:  | April 17, 2025 |  Philanthropy | 

Last semester, the Global Citizenship Project (GCP) held a book drive at Brookdale Community College which was so successful that the organization has decided to do it again. 

The purpose of the drive was to help Sylvia’s Children, a 501(c)3 working with the 1,000 children at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School in Uganda, Africa. The Brookdale book drive contributed to Sylvia's Children's fundraising model, where donated books are resold to generate revenue. 

"These donations are more than books; they're a means to sustain education and provide opportunities for our children to thrive," Sylvia explained. The drive was part of Brookdale's GCP, which encourages community service initiatives to enhance local and global well-being. Student clubs played a significant role in the drive, donating nearly 800 books and earning recognition for their efforts

There are few restrictions on books to be donated. Textbooks, novels, fiction, biographies, children’s books, religious books and more can all be donated. The only restriction is they must have an ISBN number and neither dictionaries nor encyclopedias can be accepted. The current locations for the book bins on the Brookdale campus are:

Larrison Hall - 1^st Floor
Library - 1^st Floor
Student Life Center - 2^nd Floor

Upon completion of the drive on May 13, books will be taken to Back on the Racks Consignment store at 121 Route 35 North, Ocean Township and placed in the Legacy Book bins.

Over the past 22 years, Sylvia's efforts have transformed the school, adding 26 buildings, including dormitories, a library, and a medical clinic. The school now serves 1,000 children, maintaining its commitment to supporting orphans.  To date, Sylvia's Children has supported 299 graduates, fostering self-reliance through various income-generating projects. The school's farm generates revenue from the sale of eggs, piglets, and spring crops, the school anticipates its first harvest of coffee beans, which could further bolster its income.

Don’t have time to drop off the books?  Call Sylvia @ 732 241 1144 and she will come and pick them up.