Bear Boxes Club organized a book drive for Children of the Night, a non-profit organization that works to aid children who are sexually exploited, March 4-7. The club, which works to serve underprivileged children, donated the books as educational resources for the youth.

Bear Boxes Club co-leader Rael Kreiz ’26, who proposed the drive, said students’ donations ensured the children  would gain the valuable insights the books provided.

“Books can educate, inspire and offer hope, making every donation a powerful way to help change lives,” Kreiz said. “Many people have books they aren’t reading anymore, and donating them is a great way to be resourceful and share with others.”

Bear Boxes Club member Amber Zhang ’25, who helped plan the event, that the drive was a chance for students to help people their age who are in difficult situations.

“Especially as students at Harvard-Westlake, we have access to a lot of resources, and we have a responsibility to support others in whatever way we can,” Zhang said. “The book drive is a small but impactful way to contribute to a great cause that supports children our age who are getting out of vulnerable situations.”

Zhang said she appreciates Children of the Night because it aims to educate the children beyond facilitating their recovery.

“One of the things that I truly love about Children of the Night is that it not only protects children in danger of sexual exploitation but also provides them with resources and education that could greatly improve their lives,” Zhang said. “It’s a great organization that does valuable work for exploited or vulnerable children at a pivotal time in their lives.”

Charles Abemayor ’26, who donated to the drive, said he wanted to give the children a positive experience amid the struggles they may be facing.

“It is very important to support the Children of the Night because [the kids] have been through unimaginable hardships that most will never understand,” Abemayor said. “It is important to help give them the joy of reading and learning, despite the horrible things they have all been through.”