A book drive collection box will be available in the foyer of Greenfield High School, and multiple other locations, from Feb. 24 through March 24, to collect new and gently used books for the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

A book drive collection box will be available in the foyer of Greenfield High School, and multiple other locations, from Feb. 24 through March 24, to collect new and gently used books for the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

A book drive collection box will be available in the foyer of Greenfield High School, and multiple other locations, from Feb. 24 through March 24, to collect new and gently used books for the Franklin County Jail in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

GREENFIELD — While she is still getting an education herself, Greenfield High School junior Ella McDaniel wants others to be able to do the same — specifically inmates.

McDaniel has organized a book drive for the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction. From Feb. 24 through March 24, McDaniel and several other students will collect new and gently used books.

Book collection bins will be located at Our Lady of Peace Church and Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts in Turners Falls; and at the Moose Lodge, Garden Cinemas and YMCA in Greenfield.

As a Confirmation candidate, McDaniel explained, she was asked to develop a community service project.

“I heard about a project in eastern Massachusetts that provides books to inmates and I thought, ‘Why can’t we do that here?’” McDaniel said. “Not only does it give (inmates) access to books, but the community at large. I’m a big believer in advocacy.”

McDaniel said when she researched the positive impact of reading on a person’s wellbeing, she was inspired to help inmates incarcerated locally. McDaniel shares that among released inmates, “recidivism rates drop significantly after completing their education.”

Other students from Our Lady of Peace Church, including Greenfield sophomore Gracelyn Tatta and Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School junior Reyna Ortiz, as well as the Greenfield High Key Club, National Honor Society and Student Council, have also gotten involved with the project.

McDaniel worked with Jenny Abeles, education coordinator for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, to figure out the most desired books among the inmates, which McDaniel said are best-sellers and mysteries.

“There are some books, like children’s books, that may not be the best books for this book drive,” she said. “It’s not your typical service project, but I’m excited about it.”

Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.