Nearly 50 public elementary schools in Mandaue City became recipients of 12,000 books donated by residents of Kapolei City, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Most of the books donated were teacher’s guides, thesaurus and Almanac, among others.

James Handsel, administrator of the Rotary Club of Kapolei Sunset, said their “Books for Kids” program aims to support good quality education in the public schools.

Last February 13, Handsel personally turned over the said books in coordination with the Rotary Club of Mandaue East.

The project was among the highlights of the pearl anniversary of the local rotary club and Hawaii 25th Trade Mission to the city.

Handsel said he was the one who personally gathered all the books from all the libraries and brought them to their warehouse in Hawaii.

Mandaue City librarian Angelina Cagatulia said the books will be a great help to the students.

“We will sort out the books according to the theme and distribute them to 48 public schools in the city,” Cagatulia said.

“This is a Valentine’s gift for the children,” she added.

Nanie Arias, an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Mandaue East, said Handsel, who is their family friend, promised to continue donating more books to the city.