Our DCTC Rotaract Club embraced this book challenge with alacrity, as this endeavor is a natural fit for a college like ours to engage wholly in.
We collected 405 books and even collected 40 DVD's to complement our donation.
The major contributor of our textbooks and other educational resources came from our DCTC library and the college's lead librarian, Michael Kirby. We also invited other staff and faculty members to participate and donate books they are no longer using in their classroom (book vendors encourage our students to purchase new editions every year).
The recipient of these books was a natural fit: Northstar Treatment Center in Lakeville, Minnesota. When approached by our DCTC Rotaract Club Public Image Chair and student Cody Hall, Northstar was extremely appreciative of this donation as technical education textbooks are particularly helpful to those who seek a better path in life. Our DCTC Club President Natasha Grad excitedly contacted DCTC staff, faculty, and of course, Librarian Michael Kirby, to seek book donations.
There were many positive aspects of this campaign. It rallied our college's Rotaract Club members and fellow students, staff, and faculty to share what sometimes is, unfortunately, recycled material but now put to great use. This event provided creative problem-solving opportunities for our young members, (e.g. collection, distribution, communication, contacts, expanding the donation to include educational DVD's, etc.) and, very importantly, helped recipients obtain hope, encouragement, and support for renewing their lives. This truly supports the Rotarian's project credo: Create Hope in the World.
Our club worked on this program for two weeks starting with our club meeting on January 8, 2024, with the final distribution of books to Northstar Treatment Center on Friday, January 19, 2024. DCTC Rotaract members and I loaded our vehicles on January 19 and enjoyed the comradery as we each knew we were helping others improve their lives.
Thank you again for providing this opportunity.
Brett Kolles
DCTC Rotaract Advisor and English Instructor
