Community Service Reflection: Annual Free Books for Children Event

As the Community Outreach Co-Chair for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am thrilled to share with you the heartwarming success of the recent annual Free Books for Children event held at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion on April 27, 2024.  This event, organized in collaboration with Roosevelt Brown — a dedicated advocate for literacy — has been instrumental in our community for the past 40 years.

With the support of dedicated SDCBA and NLD volunteers and their generous donations of snacks and refreshments, the event was a resounding success, providing children from all walks of life with the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. Our volunteers, along with their friends and families, worked tirelessly from the early hours of the morning to set up counters for snacks and refreshments, and meticulously organized bookstands by age-groups to showcase a diverse selection of books for kids of all ages.

The day began with cultural performances, activities, and speeches about the importance of reading and education. One of the highlights was witnessing the sheer delight on the faces of children and families as they explored the vast array of books to choose from. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers in organizing the event, each child was able to select not just one but multiple books to take home, igniting a spark of curiosity and imagination that will endure long after the event has ended.

For me, personally, the event was a reminder of the transformative power of literature and the profound impact that a single book can have on a young mind. As I watched children eagerly flipping through the pages of their newly acquired books, I was reminded of the importance of initiatives like this in fostering a love for reading and learning in our community. But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the event was seeing the joy and enthusiasm that was part of our interaction with children and their families. 

As we reflect on the Free Books for Children event, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who played a role in making this event a success. To our volunteers and donors, thank you for your unwavering support and taking the time to contribute your efforts to this event.

In closing, I extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of this year’s first NLD community service event, and we look forward to seeing many of you at our future events.