The partnership between Success Won’t Wait and First State Robotics (the hosts of the Duel on the Delaware) began in 2004 with a modest book drive. Each year since, the organizations have partnered to collect books as part of a community service effort by First State Robotics.

In years past, books of all types — from pre-K board books to adult non-fiction — were collected and weighed. In recent years, however, the teams have put a special focus on critically-needed children’s books. And, they scoured attics and bookshelves for donations. The books were then counted (one by one!) by First State Robotics student volunteers.

Everyone worked hard, but two teams really went the extra mile. The first place and runner up teams for 2019 were:

1 – Team 1626  Falcon Robotics, Metuchen, NJ   – 725 books
2 – Team 365  Miracle Workerz/MOE, Wilmington, DE – 124 books
 
The books collected at this event will be used by Success Won’t Wait throughout the year to complete literacy projects for children across the region. Examples of current projects include ongoing children’s book giveaways at Nemours clinics throughout the state, and book donations to schools, after school programs, and organizations.

Many thanks go to all of the volunteers from Success Won’t Wait and First State Robotics who worked together to make the day such a success! Special recognition goes to Duel on the Delaware organizer John Larock, who somehow makes it all happen every year.

For more information about First State Robotics or the event, please visit DUEL ON THE DELAWARE.