Teen philanthropist recognized with award
Date: 11/21/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWESTFIELD — At the reception honoring the recipients of the Western Massachusetts Philanthropy Day Awards on Nov. 14, eighth-grader Andrew Robitaille, a Westfield resident and student of Academy Hill School in Springfield, received the Outstanding Young Philanthropist/Fundraiser of Hampden County award for his work with Link to Libraries (LTL) Inc.
"My initial reaction to the news of the award was, 'What did I do that was so special?' Volunteering has always been a part of my life," Robitaille said. "I started working with LTL in 2008. As busy as I am, I just find the time. It just takes a commitment. It doesn't take much to make a difference."
According to its website,
www.linktolibraries.org, LTL is 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2008, comprised of an all-volunteer staff. Its mission is "to enhance the language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds."
LTL has donated more than 25,000 books to fellow non-profits and schools in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.
A self-described avid reader, Robitaille's interest led to his involvement with LTL.
"The program helps hundreds of places and thousands of kids," he stated. "It's astounding the number of books that are distributed through LTL."
He admitted that Barnes & Noble used to be his favorite hang out — until he jumped into the pool. In addition to attending school and volunteering, he participates with the school swim team. A recent concussion, which occurred during recess and not in the pool, sidelined Robitaille for a month. From that experience, he gained new appreciation for the service LTL offers.
"I had to go without reading — I had nothing to do," he explained. "I can't imagine a world without books. To think that for some people, this is their world that's a crazy thought."
His mother, Laura Robitaille, described the necessity for the program. "It's surprising how many places are in need, right here — and how easily it goes unseen," she commented.
Robitaille described one of his very first volunteering experiences. "In third grade, two friends and I taught the kindergarten classes about the presidents that appear on Mount Rushmore," he said.
"He [Andrew] came up with the curriculum and then met with the principal. They taught the course once a week during their recess time. The project began in early November and continued for a six-week span," Laura explained.
She pointed out that the lesson was not an assignment or requirement.
"It just came to me one day — I thought it would be fun to do," Robitaille said, adding that most of his volunteer projects strike him in the same manner.
Laura added, "He leads and we follow and support [him] however we can."
Robitaille's father, Daniel, said, "He's a doer. It's amazing and inspiring."
The entire family, including younger siblings Madison, 12, and Alex, 9, take part in helping the community. Laura shared that the family has partaken in many outreach programs available through the family's church, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.
In the past, the family has volunteered with a soup kitchen. This holiday season, they are sponsoring a single-parent family to provide for a mother and her two children.
"Andrew inspires us to want to be parents worthy [of having such a selfless child]," Laura said. "We don't know what the future holds, but we'll always do something to help [others]."
Robitaille added, "I feel honored and appreciated by the award."
