On January 25th, a group of dedicated Hillcrest Elementary School students, families, and staff came together for a meaningful volunteer experience at Bernie’s Book Bank, an organization committed to increasing book ownership among underserved children. The event, organized by the Hillcrest Boosters, brought 35 volunteers to Bernie’s Book Bank, where they actively participated in the nonprofit’s mission to distribute quality books to children throughout the Chicagoland area.
Throughout the day, Hillcrest volunteers worked diligently, placing Bernie’s Book Bank stickers on thousands of donated books—many of them brand-new nonfiction titles featuring inspirational figures like Oprah Winfrey and Mother Teresa. The books were then stacked onto large pallets, ready to be shipped to schools and organizations that have partnered with the nonprofit. Students took the lead in a friendly competition, racing against each other to see how many books they could process, adding an element of fun to their efforts.
Hillcrest’s volunteers successfully filled four massive bins of books, each one destined to become part of a child’s personal library. Every recipient of a Bernie’s Book Bank delivery receives a bag filled with 10 books—a life-changing opportunity for many children who may not otherwise have access to literature at home. While some books were available in Spanish, volunteers noted that the need for bilingual materials remains significant.
For Megan Enriquez, President of the Hillcrest Boosters, the experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy access. “The organization told us that there are so many children who do not have access to books,” Enriquez shared. “It is important to get books in children’s hands to increase their knowledge and practice reading. This is a local event that impacts our area.”
About Bernie’s Book Bank
Founded in 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank is dedicated to providing free, high-quality books to children in need. The organization serves hundreds of thousands of students in under-resourced communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills and a love for reading. Their mission is simple yet profound: “Create pathways to success through book ownership.” By delivering millions of books each year, Bernie’s Book Bank empowers children to build their own home libraries, fostering a lifelong connection to reading.
The volunteer event at Bernie’s Book Bank was not just about sorting and labeling books—it was about making a lasting impact on children’s futures. The Hillcrest community’s dedication to service reflects its commitment to education, equity, and the belief that every child deserves access to books.
For those interested in getting involved, Bernie’s Book Bank welcomes volunteers and donations to continue their essential work. To learn more, visit www.berniesbookbank.org.
