Piano, Uniforms, Book Bags, Among Items Recently Donated to Dolton 149 Schools

(Calumet City, IL) – A burst of generosity has touched Dolton School District 149.

In recent days, the south suburban elementary district has received an upright piano, 700 polo shirts, 100 sweat shirts, two cases of book bags and school supplies from multiple donors to benefit its 2,733 students.

The piano arrived as a gift from Jennifer Lonergan on behalf of former Calumet City resident William Lordan, 85, who recently passed away. Lonergan, Lordan’s niece, drove from Normal to deliver the piano to the district’s Caroline Sibley Elementary School, which had recently welcomed a new music teacher.

“I am so glad that your school district has a use for the piano I am donating on behalf of my uncle, William Lordan,” wrote Lonergan in a letter to the Dolton 149 Board of Education. “He would be happy to know it is going to a school in his district.”

Lonergan also included a $100.00 check to have the piano tuned.

The district’s top administrator expressed “deep appreciation” for the gift.

“We want to express our deep appreciation to Jennifer Lonergan for her generosity to the community that her uncle cherished,” said Dolton 149 Superintendent Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones. “Her gift will be invaluable for the district’s new music teacher at Caroline Sibley Elementary School, and it will help preserve Mr. Lordan’s memory in the community.”

Lordan, a retired professor from Purdue University’s Dept. of Mathematics, Computer Technology, and Statistics who died on June 26, had charmed neighbors by his piano playing.

“I recall as a young girl, in the summer, sitting outside listening to Bill play his lovely classical music on the piano,” wrote Bonita Zagrovich in Lordan’s funereal guest book. “He was so talented and successful in everything he did.”

In addition to the piano, the local Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Zeta Chapter in Dolton, Illinois, Tosha Bunch, and Stephen Obradovich from the Illinois Youth Center in Warrensville last month donated to the district more than 700 new, black, blue and red polo shirts and 100 red sweat shirts, to enhance the middle school student’s uniform.

“The three middle schools will benefit from this generous donation,” said Dr. Davis-Jones. “The kindness of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Mrs. Bunch, and Mr. Obradovich is truly appreciated by the board of education, the administration, and, of course, our students.”

On top of the clothing donation, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Zeta, Dolton Chapter members Mrs. Bunch and Tonia Lewis-Rogers also arranged for the donation of two-cases of book bags, spiral note books, and pencils.

“Many of our families are unable to afford new book bags and fresh school supplies each year,” said Dr. Davis-Jones. “So, our students and families will be deeply grateful to the ladies of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Zeta Dolton Chapter for their generous donation of the new book bags, note books, and pencils.”

Dolton 149’s board of education president extended the board’s “gratitude” to donors.

“On behalf of the Dolton 149 board of education, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to all these generous donors for helping our children and for enriching their lives by, most important, demonstrating a spirit of kindness and generosity to others,” said Board President Darlene Gray Everett. “That’s an important lesson. Bless them.”

davidormsby@davidormsby.com