Since it’s humble beginnings back in 2002, Success Won’t Wait has seen it’s fair share of volunteers come — and all too often — go. But, lucky for us, there are a core group of extremely dedicated volunteers who have been with us from the very beginning and continue to volunteer their time regularly.

One of those exceptional volunteers is Margherita Carrieri-Russo!

Although she was just a pre-teen in middle school when she first began volunteering, Margherita has never done things half way. In fact, in 2005, as a mere 8th grader, she organized and held what was, at the time, Success Won’t Wait’s largest book drive ever.

Margherita collected over 5,000 books through a school wide drive at H.B. duPont Middle School! (You can read more about the book drive here: H.B. duPont Middle School Book Drive, 2005)

As a high school student at A.I. DuPont High School and then a college student at the nearby University of Delaware, her commitment never wavered.

Over the years her efforts have included many more book drives, like the annual Duel on the Delaware in Salem County New Jersey, delivering children’s book baskets to locations from Delaware to New York and special events like Winterthur’s Point-to-Point Steeplechase and children’s book giveaway — as well as sorting, cleaning and repairing thousands of books for children, teens and adults.

Today, as the reigning Miss Brandywine, we are thrilled that Margherita has chosen “promoting literacy through Success Won’t Wait” as her official platform. Margherita will spend her year of service as an ambassador of literacy throughout the region, visiting classrooms, holding read aloud sessions, and of course, donating books!

Hats off to our Success Won’t Wait Volunteer in the Spotlight, Margherita Carrieri-Russo!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a not for profit literacy program based in Wilmington, Delaware. The organization’s mission is to encourage reading, particularly by children, and services Delaware and the surrounding states.

Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Want to donate books? Visit How to Donate.