MD
Michelle Dion
  • Psychology
  • Orland Park, IL

Orland Park resident Michelle Dion promotes children's literacy

2013 Jun 5

Project Bookworm held a book drive to promote the literacy of disadvantaged youth. Distribution sites for the books collected are located at the Romeoville Recreation Center, the MorningStar Mission Women & Family Recovery Center, Angle Guardian Home, and Aunt Martha's Storybook Project and the Bollingbrook police station. The group is also looking at more locations to expand Project Bookworm.

Project Bookworm stemmed from Lewis University student Kathryn Strait. She brought her undeveloped idea to her Applied Sociology class, and they responded. Project Bookworm was established as a non-profit group dedicated to providing a diverse array of books to impoverished and disadvantaged youth. They aim to promote literacy and learning throughout a child's lifetime, by donating the books they receive to community organizations that can better the impact the community at large, on a regular basis.

"Our hope is children that have access to these books will continue to bring books home and build their own libraries and possibly grow a love for literature and reading," Kathryn Strait said.

Dr. Gail Gehrig, Lewis University Sociology Chair, commented "We have received great support from the Lewis community, with donations of over 1,300 used books and financial contributions toward the purchase of new books. We look forward to placing them in areas which will assist with children's literacy."

Michelle Dion of Orland Park, Ill. is among the students coordinating the drive.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for more information.