Nickelodeon's "HALO Effect" is a year-round initiative that recognizes one deserving teen every month for their work to help and lead others (HALO) in their community. The initiative was first announced by Nick Cannon, creator, host and executive producer of the annual "HALO Awards", during the live broadcast in November 2013.
Nickelodeon's recognition brings Sarah an on-air profile on TeenNick throughout January, an interview on TeenNick.com, and a $5,000 check for her growing nonprofit organization!
Sarah is the founder of Just 1 Book, which began when she was still a Cypress Springs Elementary fourth-grader. An avid reader, she was moved by a newspaper story about poverty among children in not-so-distant neighborhoods. She figured, rightly, that if their families struggled to afford food and rent, they probably couldn't afford to buy books for their kids, either.
She set out to collect "just one book", new or used, from every student at her school to donate to the children in need. Instead, as word of her effort spread, her initial goal of 763 books brought in more than 13,000!
At last count, the tally has surpassed half a million. The books have been distributed to low-income neighborhoods throughout Central Florida, and, thanks to a partnership with the Kiwanis Club, Just 1 book is expanding to New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia as well. Sarah also helped to launch a local bookmobile program in 2014.
"I would like for Just 1 Book to reach nationwide status," Sarah told TeenNick.com. "It is impossible to know how long this will take, but it is my hope and faith that this goal will be achieved."
For more information about Just 1 Book, please visit the organizations official website, Just1Book.org.
If you know a deserving young person you'd like to nominate for a Nickelodeon "HALO Effect" Award, please see teennick.com/shows/halo-effect for more information.
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