DSHS student recognized for nonprofit she started
When Dripping Springs High School junior Ramsey Hutton was a student at Sycamore Springs Middle School, she started Books for L.O.V.E., a literacy outreach organization supporting the community by collecting and distributing books to children. The organization's goal is to ensure access to quality literature for all. Recently Ramsey was recognized as one of five "Kids Who Care" by KVUE News.
"Starting this organization has really opened my eyes to a need in our community, which prior to this I hadn't realized existed," Ramsey explained. "It has been so meaningful to see firsthand the impact these books have on children's lives and knowing I get to make a difference in the community I've grown up in." Ramsey's efforts have
Ramsey's efforts have impacted multiple campuses in DSISD. The SSMS National Junior Honor Society partners each year with Books for L.O.V.E. to collect new and gently used children's picture and chapter books to donate to Books for L.O.V.E. as a community service project. Earlier this month, SSMS NJHS members helped wrap 914 books in preparation for the holiday distribution to support the partnership between Books for L.O.V.E. and the local Helping Hands of Dripping Springs.
Walnut Springs Elementary students also jumped on board to support the organization. Each grade level at WSE chooses a service project and this year the fourth grade chose Books for L.O.V.E., collecting 976 books.
After starting as a passion of Ramsey's, Books for L.O.V.E. has grown into a growing service and leadership opportunity among Dripping Springs youth and a meaningful gift to young readers. In addition, Books for L.O.V.E. supports numerous organizations including Helping Hands, Manos de Cristo, Austin Police Department's Blue Santa (with a donation of 10,000 books).
Currently she is in the process of recruiting current DSHS students to train to continue organization once she graduates.
To learn more about Books for L.O.V.E, you can visit the organization’s website at booksforlove.com/