Books do more than tell stories. They awaken curiosity, broaden horizons, preserve knowledge, and help people of every age imagine new possibilities. Recognizing the lasting power of reading, the Rotary E-Club of Sunshine, New York, recently joined the Westchester Rotary Club in supporting a community book drive organized by the Shining Stars Rotaract Club.
Held outside the Early Bird Cafe in East Meadow, the collection brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, community leaders, and local residents around a shared commitment to literacy and learning.
Members and supporters of the Rotary E-Club of Sunshine collected and donated more than 200 new and gently used books to the initiative. All books gathered during the drive were donated to Book Fairies. This organization distributes books to children, schools, libraries, senior centers, hospitals, and other community organizations where access to reading materials may be limited.
Young Leaders Organizing for Literacy
Shining Stars Rotaract Club President Aleena Ahmed led the initiative with members of her club. The Rotaractors set up collection tables, banners, and informational flyers immediately outside the cafe, which generously made its space available for the event. “Books are an important part of everyone’s growth,” Aleena said. “They help us learn about ourselves, understand other people, and see opportunities beyond our immediate surroundings. Through this drive, we wanted to make sure that more people have access to that experience.”
The event demonstrated how Rotaractors can identify a community need, organize volunteers, build partnerships, and mobilize the public around a meaningful cause.
Rotary Leadership in Support
Several Rotary District 7230 leaders attended the collection drive to support the Rotaractors and encourage stronger collaboration among Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
In attendance were Past District Governor Mahbub Ahmad and Past District Governor Syed Alirahi, both serving as Deputy Governors of District 7230 during the current Rotary year. They were joined by District Executive Secretary Bina Ahmad and Area Governor Shazia Alirahi.
PDG Mahbub Ahmad emphasized the importance of collaboration among Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs, businesses, and community organizations. “This project represents Rotary at its best—different generations and organizations working together to address a real community need,” he said. “Every donated book carries knowledge, encouragement, and hope. It also tells the public who we are: people who turn compassion into action.”
PDG Syed Alirahi noted that service projects provide opportunities to strengthen both community relationships and Rotary fellowship. “When Rotary and Rotaract collaborate, we multiply our ability to serve,” he said. “The success of this drive demonstrates what can be achieved when young leaders receive encouragement, guidance, and the freedom to lead.”
District Executive Secretary Bina Ahmad described the donation as an investment in people and their futures. “A book placed in the right hands can influence a child’s education, comfort a patient, engage a senior, or introduce someone to an entirely new world,” she said. “Collecting more than 200 books is a meaningful accomplishment, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed.”
Area Governor Shazia Alirahi highlighted the value of conducting visible service projects in community spaces. “When people see Rotary and Rotaract members actively serving, they begin to understand that Rotary is much more than meetings,” she said. “Public projects such as this invite conversations, build trust, and encourage others to become involved.”
Rotaract Club Advisor Dr. Farjana Khan praised the young leaders for translating an idea into measurable community action. “Our Rotaractors showed initiative, compassion, and excellent teamwork,” Dr. Khan said. “They did not simply collect books; they created an opportunity for the community to participate in improving literacy. Projects like this develop confident young leaders while directly benefiting people in need.”
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Service That Builds Awareness and Membership
The banners, flyers, collection tables, and participation of Rotary and Rotaract leaders also helped raise awareness of the organizations behind the project. Community members visiting the cafe could see firsthand how Rotary and Rotaract unite people of different ages and backgrounds through practical service.
Although Rotary formally observes Membership and New Club Development Month in August, July—the beginning of the new Rotary year—is an ideal time for clubs to begin sharing their stories, inviting prospective members to service activities, and demonstrating the personal and community impact of membership.
Effective membership development begins with visibility. People are more likely to consider joining Rotary when they see members working together, enjoying fellowship, developing young leaders, and producing tangible results in their communities.
The Rotary E-Club of Sunshine, New York is proud to have contributed more than 200 books and to have collaborated with the Westchester Rotary Club, the Shining Stars Rotaract Club, the Early Bird Cafe, and Book Fairies.
This successful initiative reflects the enduring value of partnership and the belief that a single book—placed in the hands of someone who needs it—can open the door to a lifetime of learning.
It is another example of Service Above Self and of Rotary and Rotaract members serving together as true People of Action.