JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – A community service project connected to Jamestown Public Schools' One District, One Book initiative has resulted in hundreds of donated items that will support children and families across Chautauqua County.

As part of this year's districtwide reading of James and the Giant Peach, students, staff, families, and community members from each JPS elementary school and Jefferson Middle School fifth graders collected a wide variety of items including toiletries, toys, books, craft supplies, journals, blankets, stuffed animals, and pajamas. Many of the donations were accompanied by handwritten messages of encouragement.

The donations were recently presented to Danielle Stone, a district parent and board member of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), by Katie Meadows, a first grade teacher at Bush Elementary School on behalf of the JPS “One District, One Book” steering committee. Items will help stock the Chautauqua Foster Closet, provide comfort items such as blankets and stuffed animals for CASA advocates to share with children, and support the creation of the Stone family’s "Foster Fun Bags" that will be distributed to youth in care throughout Chautauqua County later this year.

"This project is a wonderful example of how One District, One Book extends beyond reading and brings our community together through kindness and service," said Kate Benson, Principal of Bush Elementary School. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and helped make a difference in the lives of local children."

The donation drive served as a meaningful extension of the themes of compassion, friendship, and community found throughout James and the Giant Peach, giving students and families an opportunity to turn those lessons into action.