Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A Midlands group is sending textbooks halfway around the world.
The group is called Charity Textbooks, In 2001, they sent about 50 books to third-world countries. Today, they are sending more than 5,000 books out.
The Midlands-based group says they have helped 32 developing countries.
"We are helping to send books to Vietnam to a school that is starting up and doesn't have any," said 12-year-old volunteer Jacob Ballington. Kids like Ballington volunteer to give children his age the opportunity to learn. "This is my second year," Ballington said.
Students load 14,000 pounds of books with one goal in mind. "All for the kids," said Jesse Ballington.
"It makes me feel good to know that I'm helping a school that can teach children that don't have books," Ballington said.
Donations boxes are in over 42 colleges and universities in the Southeast, all to help educate the less fortunate. Last year they sent books to Togo, Africa. This year's partnership is with the Peace Corps in Vietnam.
"It's important because these students they want to learn, they got no ability to learn, and it might be 20 or 30 reading out of one book, say President of Textbook Charity Robert Ballington.
The charity has now become a non-profit 501 C, allowing them to be able to take donations other than books, and you can receive a tax write off for donating. To learn more, go to the Charity Textbooks website.