An ambitious 8-year-old boy from Winchester, Massachusetts, is making waves in his community by launching a pop-up book stand to raise money for The Home for Little Wanderers, a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to helping children in need. Bobby Atchinson, a second grader with a passion for reading, turned his idea of sharing books into a charitable endeavor that has captured the hearts of many.
Key Takeaways
- Bobby Atchinson, 8, started a pop-up book stand called "Bobby’s Books".
- The initiative aims to raise funds for The Home for Little Wanderers.
- On its first day, the stand sold 200 books, raising $1,000.
- The project has garnered community support, with families donating books and helping out.
- Bobby’s Books will operate until next Saturday, culminating in a donation on Giving Tuesday.
The Inspiration Behind Bobby’s Books
Bobby’s journey began when he noticed a pile of books in his bedroom that he no longer read. Instead of discarding them, he wanted to share the joy of reading with other children. With encouragement from his mother, Jeanna Atchinson, Bobby decided to create a bookstore that would not only share books but also support a charitable cause.
"We started donating them and then I said to my mom, ‘why can’t we make a bookstore?’ And she said yeah and then she said we could give them to charity, and I said, ‘yeah, we can do that,’" Bobby explained.
The Launch of Bobby’s Books
With the support of his mother, Bobby set up his pop-up book stand in the town center of Winchester. The launch was a resounding success, with local media coverage helping to spread the word. On the first day alone, Bobby sold 200 books, raising an impressive $1,000 for The Home for Little Wanderers.
Community Involvement
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Bobby’s friends and families in the area rallied around his initiative, donating books and offering assistance. Jeanna Atchinson noted, "When he got the word out to his friends at school and to other families in town, they all dropped books off to our house and they all offered to help with the bookstore."
This collaborative effort has not only helped Bobby achieve his fundraising goals but has also fostered a sense of community spirit and support for children in need.
Looking Ahead
Bobby’s Books will be open for its final day next Saturday, providing one last opportunity for community members to contribute to this noble cause. Following the last day of sales, Bobby plans to present a check to The Home for Little Wanderers on Giving Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in his charitable journey.
A Family Project
For Bobby and his mother, this project has been more than just a fundraising effort; it has been a bonding experience. Jeanna expressed her pride in Bobby’s initiative, stating, "He loves to read so it’s exciting to see that we’re able to do something with that passion and make him feel good about himself and also help kids in need. It’s been a fantastic project for us as a family."
Bobby’s Books stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and compassion, proving that even the smallest among us can make a significant impact.
