Young Americans Help China Through Non-Profits

CBS News – December 2010 – Arizona native Tom Stader started his non-profit, The Library Project, with just $500 in donations soon after moving to China in 2006.

"We almost went broke four times in the first two years. That was an issue, but it was something which our donors rose to the challenge," said Tom. "They saved us." Using old and new books, Tom's team has built 320 libraries in rural classrooms like one in central China's Shanxi province and in underfunded schools on the fringes of Beijing.

"We can see the outside world via books," explains a boy who has benefitted from the Library Project.

An entire library costing just $1,500 can be a life-changer. Some children here have never read a book with color pictures before.

"Sometimes I don't even feel hungry as long as I am reading," said one girl, an encouragement for Tom.

"I think we're at 75,000 children right now that have access to books," said Tom.

While many come to China to take advantage of its growing wealth, young Americans like Tom and Casey are aware that not everyone's getting rich. They're eager to help those people to bloom as well.

About The Library Project

The Library Project donates books and libraries to under financed schools and orphanages in China. They believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that exists in the developing world. As they see it, education is change. The Library Project accomplishes this by; getting the local community involved through book drives and awareness raising, providing libraries to under financed orphanages and elementary schools, and partnering with local NGOs (charities) and companies.

The Library Project has some amazing yet attainable goals: by the end of 2010 they will have donated over 350 libraries to rural elementary schools and orphanages in China. Their goal is to develop The Library Project into an organization that helps empower millions of children every year through the gift of education. This goal will take an enormous amount of dedication, planning, and hard work. They need your help.

To get involved, please check out their website at www.library-project.org.

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Stader, The Library Project's Founder.

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