WeLoveU’s Book Drive for the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital hopes to provide the youth with a story they can each treasure and call their own.
In January, WeLoveU was abuzz spreading the news about their month-long book drive for the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. Children and young adults who come near and far for treatment turn to books for courage, strength, and hope. This is especially true after speaking to Amy Glazer, Executive Director of Development, at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center.
“Books are used for distraction during medical procedures, and reading promotes relaxation during stressful times. The Child Life team at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital focuses on maintaining development during a child’s hospital stay. Reading is an important component in this mission.”
Amy Glazer, Executive Director of Development
The hospital, outfitted and designed for the care of children aged from infancy to young adulthood, goes through plenty of books for their youthful patients to peruse. Each patient is allowed one book of their own to keep, from when they check in the hospital until the time they return home. With the numerous families seeking care and treatment for their loved ones, the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital could certainly use a helping hand.
The City of Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse donates to WeLoveU’s book drive. 
Radio Hall of Fame Inductee Bert Baron donates to WeLoveU’s book drive.
The month-long drive garnered support from Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse (top left), Radio Hall of Fame DJ Bert Baron (top right), and more than 140 WeLoveU volunteers whose workplaces also participated by donating books. A donation even came through AmazonSmile from India! With an overwhelmingly positive response and meeting their goal, the WeLoveU Foundation couldn’t wait to see the final result.
All Hands on Deck!
The WeLoveU Foundation put out a call to collect books for the children’s hospital who provides each of its patients a book they can call their own. The goal at hand: collect 2,000 new children’s books. WeLoveU partnered with Barnes & Noble for the whole month of January, sharing the book drive with neighbors, friends, families, and city officials.
A Reading Pit Stop on World Read Aloud Day
In the midst of the book drive, WeLoveU volunteers celebrated World Read Aloud Day on February 1, 2019. On this day, people worldwide read aloud and share stories advocating for literacy as a human right, which belongs to all people.
WeLoveU volunteers visited and read to children in the Princeton Young Achievers program in Princeton, New Jersey. It’s a unique after-school program at the YMCA that improves students’ school performance and English language skills.
The Book Drive’s Big Ending—The Delivery!
On Thursday, February 7, 2019, WeLoveU volunteers packed all 2,000 books and drove them over to the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital for the big delivery. A group of volunteers on-site helped set up the boxes and books for the group photo. Hospital personnel attending the book drive delivery included Vice-chair of Pediatrics Dr. Stephen Percy, Executive Director of Development Amy Glazer, Supervisor of Child Life Ellen Goldring, and Child Life Specialist Erika Bella.
The Vice President of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation East Coast Region delivered a brief speech on behalf of the organization. For some of the hospital staff, it was their first time hearing about WeLoveU and its mission. In contrast, others recognize WeLoveU from the 2017 Toy Drive for the children’s hospital.
“I think it’s tremendous. What we do is not only share the books with them, but let them go home with books. I always tell parents the best thing you can do with your kids is read to them. This is a terrific start to have the resources to allow us to do that. Thank you very much for what you do and keep doing it. You’re making a difference in the world every day.”
Dr. Stephen Percy
The WeLoveU Foundation extends its thanks to all who participated. WeLoveU looks forward to holding more events to help our community while simultaneously progressing the Sustainable Development Goals. This book drive, in particular, is a step closer to fulfilling Goal #4—Quality Education.
Dr. Stephen Percy 
WeLoveU’s Vice President shares a few words with HUMC staff.
68 thoughts on “WeLoveU Delivers 2,000 Books to Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital”
Great job! Keep up all the awesome efforts you make to bring joy and comfort to even the youngest and most vulnerable members of our global village. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation!!!
This is another great initiative of the WeLoveU Foundation. I’m so happy to be a member of an organization that works toward the UN’s SDG’s. The International WeLoveU Foundation is truly working silently to heal this world with all of their good works.
Wow, such a great gesture! I’m sure the children at the hospital will be thrilled to know that their community is thinking about them. I hope that these books take them on an adventure to see the world wherever they are!
So beautiful to see such great work being done in the community! Great job team #WeLoveU!
Through events like this, I feel even more thankful that I am apart of the WeLoveU Foundation. I enjoyed collecting books and donating as well. What I enjoyed most was donating my favorite books from childhood, knowing that I will be having such an impact on a child’s life. Through being a WeLoveU member I have learned what it means to have the heart of a mother, following the Chairwoman’s example of unconditional love.
This events always brings to light how the efforts of one person can change not one life but the world even to the level of educating the less opportune.
Wow this is so amazing! The children must be so excited! Its so moving to see so many people get together to put a bright smile on a childs face!
So glad to see the fruit of the efforts of my coworkers and the weloveu foundation! Thank you for posting a follow up with the result of the book donations – often times we don’t see where things go but my coworkers and I are happy to see that the books are in the safe hands of those precious children! Keep up the good work!
This volunteer work was very unique, because it deals with a practice that should not disappear. Reading is so important and I feel a sense of satisfaction being part of this volunteer work. Kids just want to be on their phones and lose the taste of actually holding a book. I feel like this volunteer work really hits the UN target of better quality education.
I couldn’t agree more. Excellent job WeLoveU!
WeLoveU works in such a gracious and united manner. I am so glad that this book drive took place and garnered the support of so many people, even receiving a donation from India. I am proud to be a part of such a great organization.
This volunteer work is very unique, because it deals with a practice that should never get weak, reading. I feel satisfaction in being part of this volunteer work that targets the UN goal of better quality education. Kids now a days only want to be on their phone/tablet (where they could read) but don’t necessarily read on them.
That is great that WeLoveU Foundation is doing such a great job. WeLoveU Foundation shows the love to others what a great organization, I believe all kids will be happy to be reading some awesome books.
This is a wonderful & thoughtful cause. Literature is so important in the development of the minds of children-especially in healing. Great job WeLoveU Foundation!
The WeLoveU foundation is awesome. There are many children that need hope, but the organization is giving them that through this book drive. At this rate they will give hope not only to them but throughout the world!
This is another example of how the International weloveU foundation is making an impact not just on the global level but also at the local level. Although I have only been involved with this amazing foundation for a few years now I am continually impressed with there efforts to bring joy to the global community through there good deeds.great job!!
This is great, books are so important for the community and it helps in so many ways for kids to be able to learn, I’m really excited and proud to be apart of the #weloveU organization.
WeLoveU Foundation is doing a great job giving the hand to the children. I believe all the children at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Will be happy to begin reading some awesome books. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation for all you are doing.
Wow that is so amazing!! I hope all the children can enjoy an amazing new book to read!! Truly changing the world ! THANK YOU weloveu foundation!
What a great deed towards our community! With each book comes the love of the WeLoveU Foundation. It’s a warm feeling to know such a gesture can bring relief to children and their families, provide opportunities to bond and open paths for imagination and communication.
This is a grand example of how communial efforts can impact our society positively. Great Job! @WeLoveU Foundation
This type of Donations can definitely help families change their thought process and think positively about the situation and give more hope to the Families goin through the hard time. Keep up the good work WeLoveU Fundation.
Truly does not surprise me. The WeLoveU Foundation is always doing some beautiful throughout the world. One amazing thing about WeLoveU is whatever initiative they do they always have so much to show for afterward. Everything they touch becomes a success and you always feel like what you are doing actually makes a difference for someone other than yourself in the end. Truly this foundation touches lives.
Great cause by a great group of people, excellent example of humanity,love and compassion hope I can be part of a similiar event next time
Wow! This is awesome! Great job everyone. Those children will be very happy to receive those books.
This is so amazing! As an employee of Hackensack Meridian Health, I am so moved by this organizations efforts to make the world a better place. I believe what the world needs most is love. The International WeLoveU Foundation never fails to deliver the love of a mother to the world. Great job! I cannot wait to see what amazing plans are coming up next for this organization and I will definitely want to partake in them!
This was so touching! Thank you WeLoveU foundation for all your great efforts in making this world a better and brighter place for all age groups!
Wow! For these children and parents who are going through rough times, reading a book together is a beautiful family time in order to get their minds off of the current struggles! Plus reading books is critical for a child’s emotional growth and comprehensive skills! Great job WeLoveU for fulfilling the UNs SDGs for Quality Education!
WeLoveU foundation that’s a great initiative! Very important to have books for Kids in Hospital. reading provide benefits to children facing lengthy hospital stays. Reading is known to reduce stress and have a calming effect and more positive things. Reading books can help prepare you and your child for hospitalisation. It’s very important to have enough books available for them. In one day you did 2000 all this positive things for children’s benefits and their family as well. Congratulations Chairwoman and all the beautiful volunteers!
I can only imagine the bright smiles on these precious children’s faces. Amazing and selfless acts on everyone who was able to make this happen. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation for dedicating your lives to make the world a better place.
I’m so moved by the generosity and genuine hearts of the WeLoveU Foundation. I believe that the family of this children are thankful and move as well with this amazing work of the chairwoman and themembers. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation.
I am so excited for the children to receive all of these brand new books provided by the WeLoveU Foundation! Thinking back to my childhood, I can remember the excitement and joy I felt when reading a good book. The animated pictures and words, and even the sound of just turning the pages brings you to a happy place. You become inspired even as a child to think bigger and to have more hope. What better setting to introduce books to than in a children’s hospital, where not only good medical care is needed to heal but also a hopeful heart. I remember the amazing Toy Drive that the WeLoveU Foundation carried out at the hospital back in 2017. Even though the WeLoveU Foundation is an international volunteer organization, actively helping people out all over the world (check out their website, incredible!) they never forgot about the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation and the Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah for your unfailing efforts to make this world a better place!
Great job, by this great organization. It’s a small gesture that will go a long way and bring so much joy to so many children and families during their stay. Thank you WeLoveU for continuing to take the lead to care global community.
Thank you for this opportunity to help others around the world.
Amazing team work! United we can accomplish real changes in our society. Let’s keep it up!
I’m truly moved for the amazing work of WeLoveU faundation is doing. The children at the hospital even though they are in the hospital by reading the books that was provided by the WeLoveU fandation will be comfort and be able to smile and even dream 🙂
It was a great job put together. All the kids will surely have fun reading and enjoy the beautiful wisdom and pictures from the books.
The children and doctors alike must be so happy to have stress relieved through this kind gesture!
WeLoveU Foundation is always searching for a way to help the community, and to better others lifes. I feel honored to be a member. Children are animated and with these books they will be filled with joy in their hearts, and mothers will be able to share moments with them. This is the way to spread a mothers Love. Thank you WeLoveU Foundation!
What a great job!! The children must be so happy. WeLoveU Foundation, thank you for the continuous concern and support!
Loving, Kind, moving-and generous active movement around the world WeLoveYou is doing around the world. Actions that need to be praised, admired and imitated so the world may be a better world for everyone.
This is a tremendous, I can only think of the impact this must have on the children and also their parents. The parents must be so concern for their little children in the hospital. But now they can read a book to them and calm theirs minds. Great Job WeLoveU Foundation although the deed seems small the love inside is much bigger!
This is very amazing!
The WeLoveU foundation had definately touched the hearts of many with their efforts. I’m sure the children and hospital was more than thankful after seeing the outcome.
Such great altruism to think about the 2,000 kids that will receive those books. I’m sure it will make their hospital stay so much more comforting by reading or being read a book. As a parent, I would certainly appreciate my kids getting a free book at the Hospital! Great Work! 👏🏼
Really enjoyed reading this article. Concern, consideration and love of neighbor is the beautiful theme behind this WeLoveU project. They touch and enrich the lives of many today and also in the future. Way to go WeLoveU!! Keep up the good work!
It is always wonderful to see the generous works of the WeLoveU foundation! I am touched and moved by their caring deeds and wonderful it’ll be for these children to receive the books and be encouraged through them! Keep up the great work!!!
WeLoveU is truly an inspiring organization!
To deliver such Joy to all those children is just breathtaking.
It must be so comforting for the hospital staff as well!
Great job everybody!
I’m really happy to be a part of this! I hope the books give encouragement!
It is awesome to hear about the WeLoveU Foundation making a lot of effort to donate children’s books to children in hospitals. This will help to bring happiness to children and to the parents who are delighted to know about an organization that considers even their children.
What a touching and beautiful thing to see and hear about. Everyone’s efforts made such a huge impact! Thank you WeLoveU Foundation for making children and families feel comfort through many good books.
Thank You, WeLoveU for making efforts like this to improve the expanding minds of children through the many selection of books donated. I’m excited to see how much the children will benefit and how they will be so excited to know what was done on their behalf. Again Thank You!
This is a beautiful act of kindness, truly the chairwoman from WeLoveU Foundation Zahng Gil-jah is thinking of others by filling their needs. Thank you for putting a smile on our children’s faces, thank you for sharing love with others. WeLoveYou Foundation, you are making a difference in our society and in our hearts, keep up the good work. 👍
I am very pleased that we can make such a huge impact in the lives of families who are at such a difficult time. How beautiful it is to bring a smile to a child at this crucial moment in their lives. WeLoveU is truly the most amazing organization.
How touching to see young people have such amazing humanity. Giving these children who are going through a critical situation, happiness and joy with these books. Great Job WeLoveYou.
Growing up in a similar situation, I can say that books definitely helped me to relax and even feel happy and excited.
A book transports our minds into our imagination and gives us a sense of accomplishment after finishing it.
I am very happy to see such great effort and joyful participation from this group.
It is very gratifying to see this great work the WeLoveU Foundation is doing as the world needs it so much. It is a great example for everyone. Thank you for giving love to everyone through actions
The work of the WeLoveU foundation is a great example to all. I hope many others may join in future activities and this becomes a global impact on all.
It is inspiring to see weloveu foundation make such great efforts in putting joy and comfort in so many peoples lives.
In a world where there is so much negativity, this is refreshing to see an organization that has decided to care for and take the initiative to action to change the world we live in. I know the children and parents receiving these gifts are so grateful and full of love because of WeLoveU Foundation efforts.
The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation is working in various places to improve the world. Whether it be in various countries, states, cities and even in our local communities they’re always willing to lend a helping hand. I can’t even keep up. Great job to the members of the WeLoveU Foundation and much thanks to the Chairwoman Zhang Gil-jah. Truly I am honored to be apart of this organization.
The WeLoveU Foundation is absolutely wonderful! So many smiles being put on these children’s faces! I can’t wait for more volunteer activities because WeLoveU always does a great job!
Absolutley, love is delivered through these books. Good deeds! Good organization!
Its really great to see that its possible to solve global issues by helping out our local communities.
This is a really sweet event. I recall my father reading to me almost every evening in my childhood. I felt like I got to escape to new worlds and experience many lives within those pages. The gift of knowledge and imagination is priceless. Thank you, Intl. WeLoveU Foundation!
Such an amazing and heart warming event! The youth are the most important in our global village, a simple book can have such a large impact on a child. We never know what a family is going through and a book can do so much. The International WeLoveU Foundation does an amazing job of being an example of good works and healing the world.
Mr. Percy was right when he said that WeLoveU’s work to not only collect these books but donate them so children can take them home is absolutely fantastic. I never took time to think how much children do miss out on in school when they’re sick in the hospital. It was truly a well thought of effort to really make a difference in a way people don’t every day. A heartwarming read and deed. Thank you!
What a great way to help out all the children in the hospital! The efforts of everyone involved in this Book Drive is outstanding! Just as Amy Glazer, the Executive Director of Development said, these books provide a way to distract the kids from the hospital environment and allows them to escape and forget about their reason for being in the hospital in the first place. It is amazing that 2,000 books were able to be delivered, this opened up the door to create a positive impact in the stay of 2,000 kids in the hospital! WeLoveU Foundation, thank you for organizing such a great event!
What an awesome organization. I can’t wait to see what they do in this bright year of 2020.