Rotary Club donates books to therapeutic day school

Tinley Park, IL: The Rotary Club of Orland Park donated children’s books to St. Coletta’s of Illinois Kennedy School library, a therapeutic day school, serving 80 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In alignment with Rotary’s goals and mission, donating the books to children in need will help increase their access to free books and time spent reading. The two organizations came together with the introduction of Rotary Club member and St. Coletta’s of Illinois Foundation board member, Sue Linn.

“I was very impressed with everything St. Coletta’s has to offer. As we learned more about the organization and how they do so much for these kids and adults, we knew it was a fit for Rotary,” explains Orland Park Rotary Club President Keloryn Putnam. She continues, “One of our goals is to provide education and reading is really the basis of that. And disabled children can be such an underserved population. I’m happy the Rotary Club was able to offer this resource for the students.”

The Kennedy School library has been growing rapidly this year with the help of Jackie DeMarco, special education teacher. She has worked with the students to have them sort the books as they would be in a public library and place them on the shelves for easy browsing and as a way to familiarize themselves with the library system. The library is continuing to expand and meet the needs of all students at the Kennedy School. When asked how those who are interested can help, Mrs. DeMarco stated, “We need more books for nonreaders that are more sensory oriented, more graphic novels and anime related. We could also use a few comfy chairs that students could sit in to read.”

The Rotary Club of Orland Park was established 50 years ago in 1972 and is one of 62 clubs in our district, and 520 districts all over the world. All Rotary Clubs operate under Rotary International, uniting local professionals who are interested in giving back to their community. Their mission is to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”. More information is available at RotaryInternational.org.

St. Coletta’s mission is to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential within society. Founded in 1949 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, who continue to sponsor us, St. Coletta’s provides a life-long continuum of care beginning in early childhood. Our residential, educational, and vocational training programs provide services for individuals that enhance their independence and well-being. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (708) 342-5200 or visit www.stcolettasofil.org.