Helena Madsen, a teenager from Central Florida, is spearheading an effort to ensure every student at Pine Hills Elementary School receives a latest book during the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Madsen’s nonprofit, The Giving Shelf, is currently fundraising to fully sponsor the entire school, a Title I institution, for the fair scheduled to take place in February.
The Giving Shelf began with a successful event last fall, distributing over 250 new and used books to students at Pine Hills Elementary. The event included Halloween-themed pencils and bookmarks alongside the books, according to a recent post on the organization’s Instagram account. Pine Hills Elementary is a Title I school, meaning it receives federal funding due to a high percentage of students from low-income families.
Madsen founded The Giving Shelf with the goal of increasing access to books for children in her community. The organization operates through fundraising, book fair sponsorships, and book donation drives. Beyond the book fair sponsorship, The Giving Shelf likewise collects books to stock classroom shelves and school libraries, providing lasting access to reading materials.
“The Giving Shelf changes the book fair from a privilege into a promise: every child leaves with a story they can call their own,” Madsen stated, as outlined on the organization’s website. The nonprofit is currently seeking donations to meet its goal of sponsoring the entire school for the Scholastic Book Fair. As of January 8, 2026, The Giving Shelf had announced its goal on Instagram and was encouraging followers to track their progress.
The Giving Shelf organizes student-led projects and volunteer events to foster a culture of reading, emphasizing that reading should be a joyful experience, not limited by financial constraints. The organization’s website details opportunities for individuals to contribute to their mission.
