Our Team
The Giving Shelf is powered by the leadership and dedication of its founder, Helena, who guides every aspect of the organization’s work. As Founder & President, she leads the vision, planning, partnerships, and day‑to‑day operations—from coordinating book drives to managing school relationships and shaping meaningful experiences for the students at the book fair. Her commitment and follow‑through drive every project the organization takes on. Julianne, our Vice President, supports Helena with organization and helps keep projects moving smoothly. Kate, our Community Service Officer, assists with outreach and volunteer coordination as the club continues to grow. Tal, our Creative Director, contributes fresh ideas and visual inspiration to our initiatives, while Zoha, our Secretary, helps maintain clear communication and organized records. Together, they collaborate to ensure that every child has the chance to choose and keep a book they love.
Our Mission
The Giving Shelf’s mission is to make books accessible to all children by sponsoring classrooms at Title I schools and donating books to their libraries and classrooms. We believe every child deserves the chance to choose their own story and discover the joy of reading.
Our Values
The Giving Shelf is guided by a commitment to equity, choice, community, service, and growth. We believe every child deserves equal access to books, the opportunity to choose their own story, and the support of a community that values literacy. Our work is rooted in giving back and expanding access, starting with classrooms, and growing toward entire schools.
"As a teacher, I see the difference when every child gets to take home a book. The Giving Shelf removes the barriers that so often keep students from fully participating in the book fair. It means every student feels included—and that matters.”
Mrs. Williams
