11-year-old Maggie and 12-year-old Harper, two savvy sisters, were so inspired by their love of reading that they launched the non-profit organization Books and a Blanket. Their goal is “to promote literacy and well-being among young students who are in need,” and each year they give out baskets of books, along with a blanket, to underprivileged children who may not have books to read at home. So far, they’ve given out over 34,000 books to children in need.

Maggie and Harper were recognized at the National Jefferson Awards in Washington D.C., where they were honored as regional Jefferson award winners for not only starting Books and a Blanket, but for volunteering as buddies at a special needs baseball team and teaching citizenship classes in Spanish to those looking to apply for U.S. citizenship.

From Maggie and Harper:  "Each year, prior to the Winter Break, we give children in need a basket of 15 books and a quilt or fleece blanket. Given the importance of literacy at early ages, we focus on children in grades pre-K to 4. Our project ensures the students have books to read and something to keep them warm."