Brother and sister run 'First Book' drive

Lynbrook High School students Erica and Matthew DeMichiel collected over 120 new children’s books at multiple sites in Lynbrook and East Rockaway on behalf of First Book-Long Island, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new books to children from low-income households in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The group’s mission is to instill a love of reading in youngsters who would not otherwise have access to books in their homes.

Organized to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on January 18, the book drive continued throughout January. Drop-off sites included the Lynbrook and East Rockaway Public libraries, as well as Lynbrook High School, South Middle School and Waverly Park Elementary School. This is the second consecutive year the 14-year-old DeMichiel twins coordinated the book drive in Lynbrook.  

“Our biggest challenge this year was the weak economy,” said Matthew. “That made the need for books even greater.”

“We met our goal of topping last year’s donations by providing additional collection sites,” added Erica. ”I think Lynbrook students and parents can really identify with the importance of kids having their own books at home.”

The DeMichiels became acquainted with First Book through a government Web site that connects volunteers with local organizations in need of help.  Kathy Levandoski, president of First Book-Long Island, is grateful for the siblings’ efforts. 

“This was a slow year for donations,” she said. “We so much appreciate their support.”