As a center on the St. Viator varsity basketball team, Purcell says he originally thought of a sport-related theme for his Eagle Scout project.

“I had thought about collecting sports equipment for underserved children, but when I heard about this, I thought it was great.

“I like building things,” he adds, “and I thought it was a great opportunity for children to love books — and promote literacy.”

The principal at Thomas Jefferson, Larry Sasso, credited Rossi and Purcell with helping to change the lives of children — and their communities.

“Not only will this project encourage a love of reading,” Sasso said, “it will also promote a wonderful sense of community.”