A new program is underway this month: Lewis-Palmer High School’s first book drive. To end March 16, the goal of the book drive is to collect gently used books for donation to Denver Children’s Hospital. However, Student Council’s plans have generated mixed responses among the Ranger student population.

Some students support the book drive, feeling that it is not only a fun change-of-pace in the midst of Spring semester; but also, it is a commendable effort to support an important cause.

“I think I will participate. I think it’s a good idea; some people don’t have the opportunity to read, so they might learn to not like it. We need to help share a love of books, because reading is great,” Patrick Best, 9, said. “Books are where history is written down, and they can take you places that you would never be able to go without reading these stories.”

Other students, however, are less inclined to participate in the drive. Some simply find it harder to part with their – often well-loved – possessions than to give small monetary donations like with past school fundraising drives. Lack of donation material or warning is another commonly-cited reason behind passing up a chance to get involved.

“I just went through and donated a lot of my books a couple of weeks ago. If there had been more warning or build-up about this event then maybe I would have been able to participate. I think this could have been good if there was a little more publicity, but I don’t know how they could have done that,” Devynn Ritchie, 12, said.

Despite repeated morning announcements, donations have still been very slow. Student Council is sponsoring some upcoming events, like March Madness Jersey Day and Hat Day, with the goal of increasing the turnout of students with books to share.

The ambivalence of the Lewis-Palmer community about the book drive may not bode well for the outcome, but a few students state that they would participate again. Some, including Best, express enthusiasm about future engagement in similar programs.

“I think that Student Council should do this in coming years, too, even if not many people are participating. They might collect only a couple of books, but just a few to donate are still better than nothing. Plus, maybe it will grow if they [Student Council] keep trying,” Best said.

For those students’ still wishing to contribute to Lewis-Palmer High School’s portion of the D-38 donation, the drive is continuing for two more weeks. Books are accepted in donation boxes near Mrs. Boone’s room, and as payment on the upcoming Spirit days: basketball jerseys for March Madness were worn on Friday, March 4 and hats will be allowed on Tuesday, March 8.