Cognizant of the town's strapped finances, but concerned about getting much-needed learning tools to Wareham students, East Wareham resident Jenn Drinkwater took matters into her own hands.

"I thought, there's got to be a way for the community to come together and support the kids, regardless of the fact that we're in a financial crisis," said Drinkwater, who currently teaches math in Cohasset, but taught at Wareham Middle School for seven years. "Our students' success is number one."

With the failure of Proposition 2½ property tax increases that would have filled some of the school district's budget shortfalls, Drinkwater recognized that simply writing checks to the district might not be supported by skeptical community members.

"I wanted to bring together people who are disheartened by the fact that the kids are suffering... but who want to make a direct impact," she explained.

After speaking with the School Committee, Drinkwater learned that nonfiction books are needed to support new educational requirements mandated by the state.

So, Project B.E.L.L.S. -- Books 2 Enhance Lifelong Learning 4 Students -- was born.

The organization will raise funds, purchase books, and gift those books to the school district.

"Literacy is a key component regardless of your subject area," Drinkwater explained, noting that if students can't understand a question on a math test, then it doesn't matter if they have the math skills needed to complete the problem.

Project B.E.L.L.S. recently received its nonprofit status from the state, and now, Drinkwater is forming a board of directors and working to raise $500 so the organization can receive its 501(c)(3), tax-exempt status. Becoming a 501(c)(3) will also allow Project B.E.L.L.S. to qualify for certain grants.

Wareham parent Diane Russo has agreed to be vice-president of the organization. Rose Berry, branch manager at Eastern Bank on Main Street, will serve as treasurer.

Bella DaCow, a cartoon bovine who dons purple ribbons and a purple cowbell, is the Project B.E.L.L.S. mascot.

"I want the community to feel like they can be a part of this," Drinkwater said, adding that she is planning family-friendly events and fundraisers for the organization: "Fun things that are community-based."

The community is invited to the first organizational meeting of Project B.E.L.L.S., scheduled for 5 p.m. on October 1 at Eastern Bank on Main Street.

"We will take help in whatever capacity people are willing to help," Drinkwater said. "It's really up to our community to come together and fill the gaps, if we can."

To donate to Project B.E.L.L.S., visit www.projectbells.org. For more information, follow Bella DaCow on Twitter @projectbells, or search for "Project B.E.L.L.S." on Facebook.