Belle Aire Students Get ‘New’ Items During Book and Puzzle Exchange

Books and puzzles got a new lease on life during Belle Aire School's annual Book and Puzzle Exchange May 19.

During the week prior to the event, students in kindergarten through sixth grade brought in their unwanted books and puzzles. All students who brought in items received Book Bucks for their donations. On the day of the exchange, they used these Book Bucks to purchase books or puzzles that were donated by other students.

Hundreds of students participated in the event. Students got to pick from thousands of books and puzzles, including over 100 books donated by Herrick Middle School. Thirty-six used books were also purchased for fourth through sixth graders to supplement the collection, which tends to be comprised mostly of books for primary grades. Additionally, SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Composting and Recycling), donated 113 books suitable for secondary readers.  The Frugal Muse bookstore also donated two $10 gift certificates, which were raffled off to students who participated in the exchange.

After all students had selected books, teachers had the chance to take any leftover books or puzzles they wanted for their classrooms. Any remaining items were brought back to SCARCE, which donates them to educators throughout DuPage.

This year’s exchange was organized by parents Kristi Kattapong and Michele Carter, co-chairs of the schools Environmental Committee.