Bernotas Teacher Starts Book Drive To Help Flooded School

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL -- Ruel Apostol, a sixth grade science teacher at Bernotas Middle School in Crystal Lake, has started a book drive to help Murphy Elementary School in Round Lake. Books in the school’s library and classrooms were destroyed after heavy rains and flooding in July. Apostol was a paraprofessional at Murphy Elementary for three years and had heard about the school’s flood damage in the news, according to a news release.

He then saw a former colleague’s Facebook post asking for help from the community to restore its book collection. Wanting to help, Apostol came up with the idea to start a book drive and sent out an email to Bernotas staff asking those interested to review their book collections and donate any books they felt they could spare.

Word about the drive spread to other D47 schools, who jumped in to help. So far, approximately 25 boxes of books have been collected from Bernotas and Indian Prairie elementary schools. On Thursday, September 14, 2017, additional donations (approximately 20 boxes) will be picked up from Coventry, West, and South elementary schools as well as Hannah Beardsley Middle School, according to a news release.

While working in District 116, Apostol reported that Murphy Elementary School benefited greatly from donations of school supplies and other items and felt compelled to help during this time of great need.

"When I sent out an email asking for book donations to help our neighboring school district, I was only expecting a few books that I could fit in my small car,” said Apostol. “I was surprised and overwhelmed with the huge turnout. I am so proud to be part of the Crystal Lake School District community that is always ready to offer generous help to those in need."

“Our students, staff, and community have been humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from neighbors…near and far,” said Dr. Philip Georgia, principal at Murphy Elementary school. “Mr. Apostol’s kind gesture is truly appreciated."

Georgia added, “District 116 has been working hard to provide the resources that many neighboring districts have for students. While insurance will get us back to the number of books we had before the flood, the donations will give students greater exposure and opportunities.”

Photo credit: District 47