Brookdale Community College recently organized a successful book drive in partnership with Sylvia’s Children, a nonprofit based in Holmdel, NJ, founded by Sylvia Allen. The drive, which encouraged donations from students, staff, and community members, yielded over 20 mail bins of books to support Sylvia’s mission of providing education and self-reliance to children in Uganda.
Sylvia Allen, a seasoned public relations and marketing professional who has run Allen Consulting for over 40 years, founded Sylvia’s Children after a life-changing trip to Uganda in 2003. As an adjunct professor at NYU teaching fundraising and philanthropy, Sylvia was invited by a student to travel with a group of five ministers to Africa. During her journey through Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, she was struck by a profound sense of purpose upon meeting children at a local school.
“I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know the language, and barely understood the culture,” Sylvia recounted. “But on the last day, a man handed me a plaque that said, ‘I thank God for who I am.’ On the back, it read, ‘The children at the school want you to be their grandmother.’” Deeply moved by the plight of the children, many of whom were orphaned due to AIDS, Sylvia embraced her new role as “Grand Sylvia” and returned home committed to making a difference.
At the time, the school had 439 students, 139 of whom were orphans, along with limited facilities. Over the past 22 years, Sylvia’s efforts have transformed the school, adding 26 buildings, including dormitories, a library, and a medical clinic. The school now serves 1,000 children, maintaining its commitment to supporting orphans.
The Brookdale book drive contributed to Sylvia’s Children’s fundraising model, where donated books are resold to generate revenue. “These donations are more than books; they’re a means to sustain education and provide opportunities for children to thrive,“ Sylvia explained.
The drive was part of Brookdale’s Global Citizenship Project (GCP), which encourages community service initiatives to enhance local and global well-being. Student clubs played a significant role in the drive, donating nearly 200 books and earning recognition for their efforts.
Understanding the importance of continued education, Sylvia’s Children sponsors orphans beyond primary school. For $395, donors can sponsor a child in primary school, covering food, clothing, lodging, health care, and education. Graduates of the primary program are further supported through high school and college, ensuring they have opportunities to pursue careers in fields such as nursing, education, and business.
To date, Sylvia’s Children has supported 299 graduates, fostering self-reliance through various income-generating projects. The school’s farm generates revenue from the sale of eggs, piglets, and crops. In March 2025, the school anticipates its first harvest of coffee beans, which could further bolster its income.
“This November 4th to 18th, 2025, you can join us on a life-changing trip to Uganda for $3,495 plus airfare. It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday season, bringing joy to a thousand children who receive new clothes, goodie bags, and a special Christmas meal. After an emotional journey filled with laughter, tears, and gratitude, we conclude with a three-day safari to reflect and reenter the real world with a renewed perspective. It’s an experience that not only changes the lives of these children but transforms your own.“ she said.
Reflecting on her work, Sylvia said, “This is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. These children have so little, yet they give so much love and joy. I want to ensure they have the tools to build better lives and communities.“
For more information or to support Sylvia’s Children, visit Sylvia’s Children Website.