When Amelia Fletcher started volunteering several years ago with The Everywhere Project by helping to serve meals and provide clothing to Philadelphians in need, she immediately noticed the children standing alongside their parents and caregivers.
Tired of seeing the kids waiting around bored and sad, Fletcher, 14, of Abington, decided this fall to open a “little library” in the lot at Ruth and Clearfield streets in Kensington, where The Everywhere Project distributes food, clothing, and medical and harm reduction supplies every Saturday to 250 to 450 people who may be experiencing homelessness, have substance use disorders or are just trying to get by.
Each week, Fletcher spreads out ABC foam mats on the ground alongside colorful bins of books and toys. And then she reads and plays with the children…