Assistance League of Chicagoland West concluded its Early Reading literacy program this spring with one-on-one and small group reading sessions at five area schools; each child was presented with a copy of the book to take home.
Participating elementary schools included Anne M. Jeans School, Willowbrook; Ideal School, Countryside; Spring Ave School, La Grange; Holmes School, Westmont; and Congress Park School, Brookfield.
Over the course of the 2014-2015 school year, Assistance League put books into the hands of nearly 900 low-income children, either permanently or through a yearlong lending library that encourages parents to read aloud in the home. Early Reading backpacks, with age and language appropriate books, are distributed to children on a rotating basis through local school districts and Metropolitan Family Services for its DuPage County Head Start, Early Learning Centers, and home-based programs.
Many volunteers with Assistance League nationwide are retired educators like Early Reading co-chairs Patricia Van Hoegarden and Eileen Hanley.
“As an elementary teacher for 36 years, I understand the importance of early literacy and helping children gain confidence in their reading skills. It is very exciting to be part of an organization that values literacy development,” Van Hoegarden said. “The Early Reading program is truly a gift to these young children. Not only because they receive a book to take home, but more importantly the way the Assistance League members make them feel unique and important.”
Assistance League of Chicagoland West, based in Hinsdale, was formed in 1995/96 and is part of a national organization over 80 years old with 120+ chapters. Last year, members of this local chapter volunteered more than 8,000 hours and touched the lives of nearly 3,000 people across the western suburbs of Chicago. Go to alcw.org for more information.
