Local families were invited to Augusta’s Community HUB on Saturday morning, March 9, to receive several free books and enjoy other activities in remembrance of a bright teenager.
To honor their daughter Shaylin Foster, who died in a car accident during her senior year of high school, parents Chris and Chastity Foster partnered with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia and the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center to host a community book drive.
“Shaylin was so impactful here from the moment she was born, and through this she continues to impact so many lives. It’s amazing how much she still impacts people,” Chastity Foster said. “She was just known for her kind, empathetic spirit … she was almost like a shepherd to lost people.”
Displaying several tables filled with books that were diverse in topics and target age ranges, the Foster family’s event allowed children and adults to redeem up to 10 books of their choosing.
“Our goal was to collect 4,000 books and we actually ended up collecting over 7,000 in like a month,” Chastity Foster said. “We have so many books that we’re going to be able to do another event in June.”
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To Betsy VanDeusen, director of the Literacy Center, Shay’s book drive grew to be increasingly beneficial for the community as more people found out about the Foster family’s story. Not only does the drive offer bilingual books, but it also gives families the chance to get quickly updated on their individual health.
“It eventually morphed into an event that celebrated not just books, but good health in general,” said VanDeusen. “So we’ve got health screenings here and a lot of fun activities – it’s just the perfect welcome into Spring.”
Thanks to the help of many volunteers and book donors, VanDeusen said this year’s book drive proved to have a successful impact on students.
“There’s so many studies that tell us how books in the hands of kids lead to good things,” she said. “… it just exponentially helps with reading development. It’s not only about reading well but simply gaining knowledge of the world.”
As families enjoyed their time at the HUB, located at 631 Chafee Ave., various rooms featured books, face painting, a story walk, princess meet and greets, and other educational activities for attendees.
“We just hope that it continues to grow. It grew from a small event where children could pick out books to them now receiving health screenings,” Chastity Foster said.
Event volunteer and friend of Shaylin Foster, Colby Woods said he believes the book drive only brings positivity to the community – both volunteers and beneficiaries.
“I enjoy doing stuff like this in my freetime and it helps our future generations to be successful,” Woods said. “[Shaylin Foster] would be ecstatic about it because she was a huge reader in high school.”
Attending mother and former educator Helen Quinn said she admired the event because of the many activities created for kids to enjoy and have a good time.
“I love it. It’s a top notch, 10/10 project” said Quinn. “[The book drive] is so important because not everyone can afford it, or some children get left behind because both of their parents are working – so they were never truly taught.”
As families went home with arms full of new and gently used books, many children left with smiling and colorfully painted faces .
“It’s just another example of the goodwill of the people in the Augusta area,” said VanDeusen. “There’s something here for everyone.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
