Binghamton University alumnus and local children’s book author Marcus Mohalland has raised over $1,000 for a Broome County summer after-school program.

Mohalland, who graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in English and in 2003 with a master’s degree in human development, co-wrote “Silly Nomads,” a children’s book series about two young brothers growing up in Jamaica. Along with his co-author, Endicott nurse Janet L. Lewis, he formed Mohalland Lewis, LLC to self-publish the book series. And now, Mohalland Lewis, LLC has teamed up with community-based organization Broome County Urban League to fundraise for the After School and Summer Enrichment Inclusion Program.

The Broome County Urban League is a community-based program that works to empower minorities through educational programs and support services, many of which focus on educational programming for children. Along with Mohalland, they have created an online fundraiser on gofundme.com, which at press time has raised $1,050 of its $45,500 goal.

Mohalland, who was born in Jamaica, now lives in Vestal. After moving to the Unites States in his teenage years, he attended BU and now works for charities involved in bettering the local area because, he said, it has provided him with so many opportunities.

“This community has done so much for me, providing me with an outstanding education and I just love giving back to it,” Mohalland said.

He said his experience growing up in poverty in Jamaica and attending BU has shown him the difference an education can make. According to him, summer school programs keep students from falling behind, and after-school programs would give students structure and allow them to receive more help and instruction.

The program they are fundraising for will serve 30 to 40 children during the school year and 50 children during the summer. It is designed to enhance social, physical and academic growth for children five to 21 years of age, as well as provide programming for children with special needs.

“Kids are our future, so who better to invest in than them?” Mohalland said. “Especially kids that don’t have the resources, who need a push or someone to just invest some time in them.”

Mohalland’s book series is already being read by students in local schools, but Mohalland wants to further use his books to encourage children to read.

“There is a major push on our side to get these books into schools,” Mohalland said. “We created curriculums that complement the books, and they are now being considered for use in the classroom by principals in local Broome County schools.”

Mohalland said his books encourage children not just to read, but to use their imagination to explore the world around them. In the books, the brothers get inspired by a story on television or from a member of their community, and create elaborate adventures from the few resources available to them.

“We try to get kids to be creative and use their imagination,” Mohalland said. “We want to get kids to read more and play more. I believe that as children, their lives go by so fast and they need to enjoy their childhood while they can.”