Every Child Deserves
a Story.
We bridge the gap between communities in New Jersey and children in Romania — delivering books, literacy, and hope to those who need it most.
Born from Experience.
Driven by Purpose.
As a Romanian-American growing up in New Jersey, I’ve been fortunate to have access to strong educational opportunities and the resources that come with them. During visits to my family in rural Romania, I saw a very different reality. Many children face limited access to quality education, books, school supplies, and other materials that can support their learning. Seeing this contrast inspired me to found Raising Readers in Romania. What began with the simple idea of collecting donated books has grown into a mission to provide children across Romania with educational resources and opportunities that can help them learn, grow, and reach their potential. I believe every child deserves access to a quality education and the opportunity to dream big, no matter where they grow up.
"Our mission is simple: put a book in every child's hands and watch the world change — one page at a time."
— Founder, Raising Readers In Romania
"A child who reads will be an adult who thinks."
The foundation of every future we're building
From New Jersey to Romania —
A Bridge Built on Books.
Our approach is simple: we bring communities in New Jersey together to collect and fund books and educational materials, then get those resources directly into the hands of children and schools across Romania.
Collect & Fundraise
We bring communities across New Jersey together through book drives, school supply drives, library partnerships, and fundraising efforts to collect the resources children need.
Prepare & Organize
Donated books are sorted, catalogued, and packaged with care. We partner with local schools, libraries, and organizations in NJ to ensure quality and age-appropriateness.
Romania Distribution
We work with schools and local partners in Romania to get these resources directly to children, with a focus on communities where educational resources are limited.
The NJ–Romania Connection
My connections to both New Jersey and Romania help make this mission possible. Through relationships with YMCA programs, Romanian schools, orphanages, and local communities, I’m able to connect people who want to make a difference with children who need greater access to educational resources. By working directly with schools and trusted local partners, we can help ensure that donations reach the communities and students who need them most.
The Need Is Real.
So Is Our Response.
Romania faces one of the most severe educational crises in the European Union. Behind every statistic is a child whose potential is waiting to be unlocked.
The Ripple Effect of Literacy
Literacy Opens Doors
Children who develop strong reading skills by age 8 are 4x more likely to graduate secondary school and pursue higher education.
Breaking the Poverty Cycle
In rural Romania, low literacy rates are directly tied to generational poverty. A single book can spark a curiosity that changes the trajectory of an entire family.
Community Transformation
When children read, communities grow. Literate populations build stronger local economies, healthier families, and more engaged civic life.
"These children don't lack intelligence or ambition — they lack access."
— Romanian school teacher, Iași County
"Imagine what Romania could become if every child had a library."
That's the future we're building — together
You Have the Power
to Change a Life.
Whether you give a book or a dollar, your contribution goes directly to children in Romania. No overhead, no waste — just impact.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Fall 2026
Annual Book Drive — New Jersey
Drop off gently used or new books at collection points across NJ. All genres and reading levels welcome.
Winter 2026
Holiday Fundraising Gala
Join us for an evening of community, food, and purpose. Tickets and sponsorships available — all proceeds fund Romania delivery.
Donate Books
Have books collecting dust on your shelf? Put them to work. We accept children's books, educational materials, and young adult fiction in any language — Romanian-language books are especially valuable.
- ✓Children's picture books (all ages)
- ✓Educational workbooks & textbooks
- ✓Young adult fiction & non-fiction
- ✓Romanian-language books (priority)
- ✓Bilingual books (English/Romanian)
Donate Money
A monetary donation is incredibly powerful — your dollars allow us to purchase books locally in Romania, cover international shipping, and fund distribution logistics.
✓ 100% of donations go directly to books and delivery. We are a volunteer-run organization with zero administrative overhead.