ROCHESTER — Local 11-year-old Kelcey Robertson made the New York Times last week for his work fundraising for racially diverse books for his school’s library. 

Robertson sold lettuce he was growing in his garden to buy the books, which he donated to Rochester Memorial School.

“He and his mom set up a produce stand in his front yard, and he spent the day selling greens that he had picked and bagged from his family garden,” Rochester School Committee chair Sharon Hartley said at a March 4 meeting. “And at the end of the day he’d raised $700.”

In the weeks following, Kelcey collected around $2,000 for the books. 

“I wanted to find books about kids who don’t get treated fairly because of the color of their skin color,” Robinson told the Times, “because it happened to me before.” 

The Times clip went on to note that Robison is planning to hold another fundraiser from his garden this year to help the homeless and kids in foster care.

“Kelcey is an outstanding young man,” Sharon Hartley said.

At the School Committee meeting, the 11-year-old was given a certificate from the district, which commended him for “outstanding student leadership.” 

Robertson was also commended by the town’s Selectmen, who recognized him at a March 1 meeting. 

“Anybody that works like that deserves the recognition,” Rochester Selectman Woody Hartley said. 

After receiving his certificate, all Robertson had to say was “thank you.”   

“Kelcey, we’re really proud of you,” Sharon Hartley said. “We know we’ll be seeing and hearing more of you.”