Starr’s Mill junior Jacob Just-Buddy has decided to use his platform as a Student Government Association and National Honor Society member to bring students together and make a difference for less fortunate children living in Africa.

“I wanted to find a way to make a positive impact,” Just-Buddy said. “Then, one day I stumbled upon the non-profit Books For Africa, and thought it would be a good idea for our school.”

Books For Africa is an organization based in Saint Paul, Minn., that collects donated books and ships them to poverty-stricken students in 53 different African countries. As well as a location in Saint Paul, Books For Africa has a warehouse in Atlanta where the donations collected at Starr’s Mill will be taken.

After coming up with the idea, Just-Buddy then approached Starr’s Mill SGA and NHS with the opportunity. Following the discussions, they both eagerly agreed in sponsoring the project.

“Any of our members that are running projects are welcome to ask me if they can make it a club project,” National Honor Society club sponsor Kelly Corallo said. “Jacob approached one of our officers who then asked me for approval and we added it to our agenda.”

Starr’s Mill SGA club sponsor Whitney Shoemaker also approved the proposal, reinforcing support from both clubs. This has helped spread the word to more Starr’s Mill students who are willing to participate.

Just-Buddy reached out to fellow junior and friend William Fry to design an advertisement to further promote the project.

Students wanting to contribute to Just-Buddy’s efforts can donate books in the drop boxes located in Shoemaker’s room 715, Corallo’s room 717 or the Media Center. Collection is taking place now through April 30.

Next Friday, March 23, SGA members and other students will gather in the Media Center during all three lunches to decorate the boxes for the books. Any students are welcome to join and help contribute to the efforts.