Student drive collects more than a thousand books for area youth

The first Stetson Law Review book drive, the week of Oct. 19 in Gulfport, collected more than one thousand books to donate to local children and teens.

Leda Franklin considers the best books to take home for herself and friends. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

Leda Franklin considers the best books to take home for herself and friends. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

“Law Review decided to participate in a book drive this year because we wanted to encourage the love of reading in our local community,” said second-year student Nicole Zaworska. “As future lawyers, reading is central to our profession. So we thought, what better way to encourage reading than a book giveaway?”

Daughter Kyla and mother Yalonda Tensett collect books at the Gulfport Public Library. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

Daughter Kyla and mother Yalonda Tensett collect books at the Gulfport Public Library. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

Zaworska added that the book drive exceeded all expectations.

“Throughout the week, we received hundreds of donations from students on campus,” said Zaworska. “A final count of all the books revealed that we collected over a thousand books.”

Stetson students presented the books during a special event at the Gulfport Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Stetson Law Review students collected hundreds of books for children and teens. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

The Stetson Law Review students collected more than one thousand books for children and teens. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

The Stetson Law Review members collected books. Photo by Marissa Marchena.

The Stetson Law Review members distributed books at the Gulfport Public Library on Saturday. Photo by Marissa Marchena.