FISHERS, Ind. – While most teens spend their spring break away from school books, one Fishers teen collected over 5,000 for veterans and students.
Elissa Tam, junior at Fishers High School said last month she started the book drive with only two books. In just two weeks, she collected 5,482 books ranging from non-fiction to science.
Tam reached out to family, friends and other schools to get as many book donations as possible. She said her goal is to support those around her.
"I want to be somewhere in the medical field. I don't know exactly what but I want to help people," she said.
Fishers English teacher and Students in Action advisor Eduardo Torres said he wasn’t surprised by Tam’s success.
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“If you're a great educator, you don't have to be a teacher,” said Torres. “If you can mentor someone and follow what they're passionate about and just stand out of the way and be a safety net to them, you will be continually surprised by what they can do and I'm always impressed by what my kids are capable of."
Tam said the books will not only benefit veterans and students locally, she’s also exploring the option of sending some overseas.
