St. Michael Parish School, led by parent volunteer, Nora O’Hare, recently collected 2,684 gently used books for St. Ethelreda School.

St Ethelreda is located on the south side of Chicago and is in desperate need of books for their school library and classrooms. Their shelves are very empty, and those books they do have are in need of repair. Mrs. O’Hare was made aware of the situation through a friend who serves as the librarian, Nancy Johnson, at St. Ethelreda. The books will be delivered to St. Ethelreda later this month.

O’Hare and Johnson have known each other since 1st grade at St. Bernadette in Evergreen Park, Illinois.

“I was in awe of her dedication and enthusiasm for the students of St. Ethelreda,” stated O’Hare. “Every time she spoke, she referred to them as such a wonderful group of kids. It didn't take long to feel her passion to inspire them through books. All she seemed to lack were the resources. She mentioned that book repairs were a never ending job, shelves were mostly empty with very few hardcover or current books, and she couldn't keep up with some of the students' desires to read more.”

“After mentioning it to a few friends and neighbors; I instantly knew that the hidden resources could lie in the generosity of our community. “

O’Hare received tremendous support from the Principal, Marcia Opal and Librarian, Lisa Palasek at St. Michael School, as well as the students who made signs and posted throughout the school. Teachers, staff and St. Michael families responded with an overwhelming display of generosity by their book donations.

In early March, O’Hare had also mentioned the need to a former neighbor (who now lives in Boston), who in turn mentioned the need for St. Ethelreda to several of her Wheaton friends. Word travelled quickly and many friends in the community responded by dropping off books. One of her friends was the PTA president at Madison School. On April 9, Mrs. O’Hare received word that Madison School in Wheaton would also join St. Michael School in the book collection for St. Ethelreda.

“This has been a wonderful lesson personally for myself and our children that it doesn't take much of ourselves to give and make a difference; as well as to have gratitude for what we have,” said O’Hare. “St. Ethelreda has no church, no gym, no cafeteria and no playground. Although we couldn't change that, we were able to support their library by filling their shelves with books and some hearts with love. It is gratifying to see the St. Michael community, as well as many others from the Wheaton community recognize the value of reading and supporting the need for those less fortunate than us through their generosity.”