| | Published January 31st, 2024
| Bountiful Book Bonanza
| | | Submitted by Mackenzie Preisler |  | | Students hold the donation check Photo provided |
Mrs. Martinsen's AIM class has done it again. Burton Valley's annual Book Bonanza was a complete success. Each year, the students of room 37 choose a charity to support. This year they decided to donate to Youth Homes, a charity that helps foster children in the Bay Area. They provide living quarters, extra-curricular activities, and all of the necessities to make sure that their current and former foster youth and young adults are safe and happy.
For three weeks, the students collected gently used children's books. Once they finished collecting, the students started pricing the books, ranging from from 25 cents to $3. Finally, after lots of hard work and lots of effort, the Book Bonanza was ready. The classroom was remodeled into a big book store, and on Dec. 13, the Book Bonanza was opened. Each class got a designated time to go shopping; students and members of the community could also shop before and after school and during recesses. Along with books, the students sold bookmarks, raffle tickets, and Rainbow Loom, as well as sports cards, origami, and clay jewelry. They also had a signed Lady Gaga shirt, and a signed copy of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." The winning bid for the shirt was $300, and the book went for a whopping bid of $200. The book sales ended on Dec. 15. The students were very proud of their work.
The classroom was buzzing with excitement when Mrs. Martinsen counted up the total amount of money. "We've made over $4,000!" she exclaimed. The class erupted in cheers. They broke the record for most money raised by over $500. Not only that but they also broke the record for most books donated by the students at BVE. The leftover books were donated to Title 1 Schools in West Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa WIC program.
The students were filled with joy when they presented their $4,129.96 check to Victoria Johnston from Youth Homes. Mrs. Martinsen and her AIM class are very grateful to the Burton Valley Community for all of the donations to make their Book Bonanza fundraiser possible! |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA