A group of teenagers raised over $2,000 Saturday from local residents to support the Bedford Hills Free Library .

Fifteen-year-old Teo Viola, who grew up going to the library, led the rally and recruited last week about 20 local teenagers to gather together at three sites in town to demonstrate their appreciation of the library by collecting donations.

"It was very gratifying to see how committed the kids were and how excited they were by the community response," said Heide Shilston, president of the library's board of trustees.

Stationed at Depot Plaza, the intersection of Rte 117 & Main St. in Bedford Hills and the Bedford Green shopping plaza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., they collected pocket change, dollars and the occasional check.

Earlier in the week, Viola appealed to his friends and classmates to join him in his effort.

“As kids, we derived so much benefit from the early learning and reading programs. This is the perfect opportunity for us to give back,” Viola told his friends in an email. “We can play an enormous role in ensuring that the young kids of Bedford Hills today have the same opportunities and experiences that we had when we were kids. I understand that many of you are in the middle of finals and Regents, but I hope you will be able to take a little time out this coming Saturday to help our town with a very important event,” he wrote.

Shilstone said this year is especially difficult for the library, after the town cut by ten percent all funding to its three libraries, leaving a $90,000 hole the library needs to fill in order to maintain current services.

The trustees honored the students commitment and accepted their donation at a reception at the end of the day Saturday. Check out the video to see these teens in action.