An alumni leader can make an impact in so many ways.

Bring many alumni leaders together who want create impact within their community and you have something really special.

Since I began working at the Alumni Association back in August of 2017, my mind marvels at each of the chapters that I come into contact with who want to share their valued time and talents for the betterment of those around them. Lakeshore Chapter in Northwest Indiana is a shining example with their annual Book Drive.

Starting in 2003, the chapter board decided to work with a charter school located in Gary, Indiana.  Board members would set up collection bins at Centier Bank locations and Strack & VanTil Grocery stores for a period of two weeks. Books provided would go to benefit the charter school library with a focus on children’s books. That first year, over 500 books were donated.

Since then, local residents began to identify with the book drive, becoming a part of the fabric of the community. Lakeshore board member George Toth, organizer of the program, has helped facilitate the Book Drive in recent years. When asked why he enjoys working with the drive he states he does it to “see the faces of the people and kids getting these books. You get them some hope.”

Chapter president Larry Alt shares a similar sentiment, noting that “this project is an exciting way to make a difference. Don’t take for granted what a book in someone’s hands can do.” Larry states that the books this project provides, in some cases, are the first some people receive in their lives.

Over the years, George Toth and the chapter will work collaboratively with dozens of volunteers from the IU Northwest Alumni Board and IU Northwest Student Alumni Association to help collect and sort books donated at over 40 sites in the area. The chapter now works with not just charter schools in the area but crisis centers, and domestic shelters that amount to over 24 different local agencies.

To this day, an estimated 70,000 books have been donated to those in need. And there are plans to expand on the list of agencies and groups the chapter hopes to work with. To Lakeshore chapter, the book drive is an ongoing program that can benefit both children and adults alike.

The Lakeshore Book Drive is a shining example of the impact that Indiana University alumni can make.  Working together with the IU Northwest Student and Alumni boards, George, Larry and so many others help contribute to the betterment of their communities. We are so grateful for their time and talent, and proud to call them Hoosiers.