Whiz Kid: Operation Paperback Books

Alex Triestman, age 9 

School: Alex is a fourth-grader at Canyon Vista Elementary School.

Keys to Our Whiz Kid’s Awesomeness:  Alex is a volunteer with his school’s PAL program, which helps students find ways to make a difference at school and in the community.  Alex said he was a part of the military committee within PAL.  His committee was in the process of thinking of things it could do to help U.S. servicemen and servicewomen stationed overseas.  Alex began to consider how he could make their leisure time a little more interesting.  He decided that reading books would be something that could be enjoyable, so he took it upon himself to create Operation Paperback Books.

Achievement:  Alex told his fellow committee members what he wanted to do.  They thought it was too much work, so they all quit. Undaunted by their lack of support, Alex began recruiting students for a new committee.  Unfortunately, most of those students also walked away.  With just Alex and one other committee member in the group, Alex knew he needed some financial help.  He decided to ask the PTA if it would give 25 percent of the donations they would be receiving for their annual One Dollar for Books fundraiser.  Alex managed to convince his friend Joshua Lee to come with him to the PTA meeting.  At the meeting, Alex stood alone in front of 40 mothers and convinced them to financially support his mission.  They agreed!

This week: Alex is collecting paperback books for the troops.  He will also receive money from the One for Books fundraiser at the school.  He will use the cash to finance the postage for the book packages and to buy more books.  His committee has now grown, and he has more help. 

When Asked Why He Would Want to Do This: Alex said, “They serve our country and protect us, so I want to say, 'Thanks!' ”

How Can You Help? If you have any paperback books in good condition, drop them off to Canyon Vista Elementary School this week.