LITERACY

 

Books, PJs, and Backpacks Project

The Books, PJs, and Backpacks Project got its start by a simple gesture of a very sweet little boy named Sebastian Segui, who is Marci Segui’s son. Marci is a member of Altrusa International of St. Augustine. At the time, Sebastian was 6 years old and they were talking about different ways to help out their local community. First Sebastian and his cousin, Ian Segui held their first lemonade stand and donated the money to the Homeless Coalition of St Johns County. Then Sebastian came up with the idea to give presents to the children at the Homeless Coalition. Marci told Altrusa about what Sebastian wanted to do for the children. Altrusa thought it was a great idea to give presents for the children’s birthday – especially since part of the gift was books and improving literacy is one of Altrusa’s main projects. When Marci and Sebastian delivered the presents for the first time and found out that the children loved their gifts, Sebastian wanted to give more gifts. Sebastian enjoyed shopping for the PJs and filling the birthday bags for the children.

Altrusa has allowed Sebastian’s simple and kind gesture to keep going and now this is one of the main projects of the club that brings joy to the children of the Coalition. When the project first started, the gifts contained a brand new pair of PJs and a book in a birthday bag. Today each child receives a backpack filled with PJs, books, a blanket, and a birthday card.

Sebastian has since graduated from high school; but he still helps in shopping for gifts for the children. Marci’s nephew, Zachary Segui helps Marci deliver the backpacks each month to the children.

The employees of the Coalition share with Marci how much the children enjoy receiving their gifts and they really do make a difference in their lives. This warms her heart knowing that Altrusa is making these children feel special on their birthday. It does show that a little kindness does go a long way.

 

Zachary Segui