Friends donate 30,000 books to schools

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Two fifth-graders are passing on their passion for reading to other students.  Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi are doing big things for their fellow students.

The boys have been traveling throughout Hillsborough County schools delivering books to students who can't afford them.

"Today we brought 1,300 books," Vance explained.

They’ve named their mission Read and Repeat.

"It’s been a passion for us to do this and it’s been a really fun experience," Chase said.

The duo donated more than 30,000 books to 23 organizations.

"I never dreamed that they would achieve their goal of 20,000 books, let alone being able to achieve the goal today of 30,000 books," Chases’ mom, Kim Parrish said.

Chase even won the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for his hard work. The award recognizes one middle and high school student volunteer from each state for outstanding community service.

"[He is a] remarkable young man and [his] dedication to this process to bring books to people who don't have books, it’s fantastic," Ben Nichols with Prudential Financial said.

The winners get $1,000 and a free trip to Washington D.C. for the awards.

"I didn't have any idea that I was going to get this award,” Chase said. "It’s a cool thing to win. I think it is very exciting for me."

"I really proud of him," Vance added

At the end of the day, the boys have a simple message.

"Just because you are younger doesn't mean you can't make a difference," Vance explained.