Photo Caption: Ronan and his sister dropping off book donations at St. Vincent de Paul.
Ronan Bhati `29 is known not just for his academic achievements, but for his enthusiasm for community service. With a warm smile and infectious energy, Ronan has a knack for rallying others to join his causes.
Last year, he organized a successful bake sale for the St. Vincent Charitable Pharmacy, which inspired him to build on that experience for his latest project: a book donation drive for St. Vincent de Paul.
“I know that even small acts of kindness can create a significant impact,” says Ronan.
Ronan has a special connection to St. Vincent de Paul, thanks to his father who once served on the board; however, it was his mother who sparked the idea for his latest project. With encouragement and the support of his friends and family, Ronan devised a detailed plan to collect enough books to rebuild a library for one of St. Vincent de Paul’s outreach centers. The strategy was simple yet effective: Offer Country Day students delicious treats and baked goods in exchange for a donation of two books each or money that would go toward purchasing more books for the center. Ronan proposed the idea to Dr. Rusty Currington, vice president of pharmacy at St. Vincent de Paul, before presenting it to Theresa “Hirsch” Hirschauer, head of Middle School, and the rest of the Middle School during an assembly. The Middle School was on board with Ronan’s idea.
And the donation drive was more than successful, collecting dozens of books and raising $188 to purchase more.
“The timing of the book drive was perfect with it being during the holiday season,” says Ronan. “Hundreds of visitors came for a holiday meal and were able to explore the newly stocked library.”
Looking ahead, Ronan and his family are already brainstorming ways to expand the library's collection by finding books in different languages, ensuring that everyone in the community can find something to read, and they have discussed organizing other service projects.
“I am grateful for the support of the school and the collective effort and support of the other Middle School students,” says Ronan. “This collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul would not be possible without us all showing a commitment to giving back to the community.”