Gastonia East Rotary Club recently brought books, encouragement, and meaningful conversation to children at three Boys & Girls Clubs in Gaston County through a special service project led by Rotarian Pam Aycock.
The project reached Kindergarten through 3rd grade students at the Bessemer City, Dallas, and Gastonia West clubs. Each child received two books to take home, along with bookmarks featuring Rotary’s Four-Way Test and the phrase Service Above Self.
For the youngest students in Kindergarten and 1st grade, the experience was especially exciting because they were able to choose their own two books. For many, it was more than just a fun surprise. Some of the children shared that they did not have books of their own at home and could hardly believe the books were really theirs to keep. Seeing their faces light up as they wrote their names inside the covers was one of the most memorable parts of the project.
Students in 2nd and 3rd grade received two books selected to reflect positive themes connected to kindness, character, and service. The goal was not simply to give away books, but to share stories that remind children there is good in the world and that they can be part of it. Rotarians also spent time talking with the children about the simple but powerful ideas behind the bookmarks, including truth, fairness, kindness, and thinking about how our actions affect others.
During each visit, club members read aloud to the children and spent time engaging with them about the stories and the values they represented. The project created moments of joy, curiosity, and connection while also encouraging a love of reading.
Under Pam Aycock’s leadership, the project reflected what Rotary is all about: serving others in practical ways that make a real difference. By putting books into the hands of children and sharing messages of kindness, honesty, and care for others, Gastonia East Rotary Club helped create an experience the children are likely to remember long after the visit.
It was a simple project, but a meaningful one. In a world that often feels heavy, small acts of generosity and encouragement can help children see that they matter, that goodness still exists, and that they can help pass it on.
Media Inquiries
For additional information, interview requests, or photos related to this project, please contact:
Drew Horine
Public Image Chair, Gastonia East Rotary Club
drew@epmkg.com
980-285-7782
Drew Horine is the founder and CEO of Escape Plan Marketing. He currently serves as the Public Image Chair for Gastonia East Rotary Club.
