14,000 Books Gathered for Inner City Schools

With vast community support, The Wilmette Rotary Club gathered nearly 14,000 books for needy inner-city schools to help students enjoy reading and perform better. The Club’s tenth annual book drive drew thousands of children’s, school and reference books from local institutions. Books came from McKenzie, Romona, Harper and Central Schools, Highcrest and Wilmette Junior High, Marie Murphy, St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Schools – all in Wilmette -- and St. Athanasius School in Evanston. Others came from New Trier and Regina Dominican High Schools and public libraries in Wilmette, Northfield/Winnetka, Glenview, Skokie and Lake Bluff. Books are being distributed to seven schools in the Little Village, Pilsen, Back of the Yards, Lawndale and Marquette Park neighborhoods. Their principals, teachers and students expressed deep gratitude for the donations.

Congratulations Maurice and team! (Front row from left are Nick Dallas, Maurice Sullivan, Jean Peters, Debbie Stacey, Lisa Roberts and Jack Flynn.  Back row from left are Arnie Klein, Bob Armbruster, Tim Grodrian, John Dyrud and Bob Matz.)
(photo/story by Richard Brill)