The books that have been gathering dust on your shelves or buried in your closet could make a world of difference for a child at Paul Revere Elementary School in Chicago. Former Western Springs resident Holly Bennett, a first grade teacher at the Chicago Public School, is hoping that area residents will donate children’s books to her book drive. New and gently used books, school supplies and backpacks are being collected at Presbyterian Church of Western Springs over the next several weeks. The books will supplement the meager classroom libraries at Paul Revere, and the supplies will be given to children unable to afford their own.

Bennett, who was born and raised in Western Springs, is starting her fifth year teaching at the K-8th grade Paul Revere Elementary School, which is in the Grand Crossing Neighborhood.

“There are about 560 students here, all low-income and 100 percent African American,” she said.

The school is in the middle of “a rough area. These kids have a lot to deal with on a regular basis. It’s a lot different than Western Springs,” Bennett said, reporting that students hear gunshots nearly on a daily basis and are typically unable to buy school supplies.

Bennett started her teaching career in the suburbs. After reading the book “There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing up in the Other America,” she decided to make the switch to the city. The book is a true story about two young boys trying to survive childhood in a violent Chicago public housing project.

“I realized that there were children growing up in housing projects just 15 minutes from where I lived in the suburbs. I knew that I wanted to teach in the inner city,” she said.

“Growing up in Western Springs was wonderful and taught me so many things. But where I’m at now is a wonderful experience. The kids here need as much support as the kids in the suburbs get. They need all of the support they can get to take them to the next level. These are the most amazing little people I’ve ever met. They see and know so much. They know more about life than I do at 31. They come in every day and are excited to learn. They don’t have iPods and other things, but they are happy kids that want to do well and be successful. There are so many things these kids have to deal with. They want to do well and deserve to do well. There are books lying around someone’s house that would really be put to good use at Paul Revere.”

Bennett said that teachers at Paul Revere are given about $100 at the beginning of the school year for classroom purchases. The money doesn’t go far, and teachers often supplement it with their own funds. Classroom libraries are gradually built up by teachers.

“Newer teachers just coming in don’t have a lot to work with at all,” she said.

Especially in short supply are high-interest books for boys.

“The boys don’t all want to read about Clifford or Junie B. Jones. They like books about dinosaurs and superheroes and machines,” Bennett said.

With a strong school-wide push towards literacy initiatives, the book drive is particularly important.

“Every night, I send home a book in a bag. Parents are asked to read every night. It’s so important to read with kids, to talk about the pictures and talk about the books. It’s a huge deal. The kids love bringing home their book in a bag,” she said.

Bennett stressed that Paul Revere is blessed with an administration and school board totally committed to its students.

“There’s a strong belief in where we want the kids to go, and everyone is doing everything possible to make our kids successful. The administration and board are behind the kids doing well, and they’ll do anything it takes to get the kids to the next level,” she said.

Residents of the western suburbs can do their part by donating books and supplies.

“I know people want to give. They just need to know where,” Bennett said.

Books and supplies for all grades are needed. Items will be collected at Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, 5250 Wolf Road, through August. Bennett will also gratefully accept gift cards or cash donations that can be used to purchase books. For information, contact Bennett at (773) 490-4285 or at hjbennett23@yahoo.com

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