The Riverside Public Library and Pro Se Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth realize their full potential, are teaming up to have a school supply drive.

Dinae Knox, the executive director of Pro Se Services, said the drive was especially necessary in the southwest suburbs and Chicago communities like Lawndale and Englewood.

“This is the first time we have had an event like this,” Knox said. “It’s really going to benefit children. The economy is very bad, and a lot of kids in the community will have to start school without school supplies. This drive will help them have the materials to be ready to go to school.”

Dorothy Sikora, the director of public relations for the library, said the library has a history of helping Pro Se.

“We did collections at Christmas for Pro Se Services, and it seemed like a natural progression to help collect school supplies,” Sikora said. “People are excited about helping other people out.”

There are boxes in the library for people to drop off donations. One is located on the main floor, and the second box is located in front of the children’s desk.

People can help by collecting and donating new school supplies, making a monetary contribution or signing up to volunteer at the event.

“At our festival, kids and their families will be able to pick up school supplies and learn about our programs,” Knox said.

Pro Se Services will be offering different educational programs throughout the school year, including online and phone tutoring, in-person tutoring appointments as well as assistance with preparing for college.

All supplies must be dropped off at the library or town hall prior to 1 p.m. Aug. 21, the start time of the event.

If you go
WHAT The 2009 Education Festival School Supply Drive, an opportunity for deserving children in the community to get free school supplies and learn about educational programs. People can also donate supplies to the drive.

NEEDED Pencils, pens, erasers, calculators, two-pocket folders, three-ring binders, backpacks, coloring pencils and cash donations.

WHERE Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road. People also can drop off donations at Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road.

WHEN 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Refreshments will be served at the event.
MORE INFO Call Dinae Knox, the executive director of Pro Se Services, at (312) 925-5723 or e-mail info@proseservices.org.