It was a cold, windy day in Baltimore City on February 6. Despite the chill weather, several individuals stood outside Westport Academy Elementary/Middle in Southwest Baltimore City, donning thick coats and gloves awaiting a special delivery — A box-truck containing over 500 books, generously donated by the hard work of one individual, a young man named Aviv Engelhart.

Last spring, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and Associated Black Charities (ABC) partnered on a book drive for Cherry Hill Elementary and Middle School in Baltimore City. When Liz Engelhart learned about the project from The Associated, she reached out about involving her son, Aviv, who was looking for a bar mitzvah project.

In turn, Aviv decided to share his love of reading with other students who may not have the same access to literature. With the help of his community, Aviv raised funds and collected donations. It wasn’t long before copies of Berenstain Bears, A Series of Unfortunate Events and other classics were piling up at his home, awaiting their final destination. In addition, ABC and The Associated pitched in — with the Associated collecting an additional 200 books.

Aviv is no stranger to giving back, as his parents Donni and Liz believe it is essential to their Jewish values.

“I love reading,” says Aviv. “I want to share my passion with as many people as I can. And I want to thank my whole community for supporting me.”’

At the Westport Academy library, a crowd of students and faculty cheered Aviv on as he received a special recognition from the city of Baltimore.

“Be it hereby known to all, that the city council of Baltimore offers its sincerest congratulations to Aviv Engelhart, in recognition of collecting over 400 books, in honor of your Bar Mitzvah,” City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter read aloud as she presented the declaration.

After Aviv shared a few words and the staff at Westport Academy thanked Aviv and his family for their generous gift, the students excitedly looked at the books they would be able to enjoy. Not only would these students be able to access more books in their school library, but each child would be able to choose one book for themselves, adding it to their collection at home for no cost.

“To actually have a student of his age take the time to unselfishly just collect for other peers, that shows his responsibility and care for other students his age,” said Melody Locke, Principal of Westport.

“Our children don’t always have this kind of access to literature at home and so this kind of bridges the literacy gap from school to home,” added Samantha Ashby, Literacy Coach at Westport. “Thank you so much Aviv for thinking of our students and also for having a genuine passion for literacy.”

The idea for the book drive stemmed from Changing the Conversation, an Associated Centennial initiative to build understanding bridge gaps between Jews and Blacks. Changing the Conversation is made possible by a generous grant from Suzanne F. Cohen of blessed memory.