Cicero Kiwanis launches book drive for elementary students

Goal: $6,000 to fund spring & summer reading programs

Submitted by Kiwanis Club of Cicero

The Kiwanis Club of Cicero has launched an “online book drive” – a fundraising campaign accepting donations directly on the club’s website – with the goal of raising $6,000 by January 2025 to support its Books for a Bright Future initiative.

The program, which provides free books to elementary students, focuses on fostering a love of reading and improving literacy outcomes.

“Book ownership has been directly linked to improved mental health in children and increased reading for pleasure,” said Todd Clevenger, a Kiwanis board member. Clevenger conceived the idea in 2023, which led to the program’s launch at Hamilton Heights Elementary School in spring 2024.

“Reading fluency directly impacts academic achievement and lifetime success,” he added.

Club President Mark Bailey emphasized the importance of the online campaign.

“This fundraising effort is essential to the program’s success,” Bailey said. “Providing one book to every student during the spring book fair is meaningful not just for the kids but for parents, teachers, administrators, and the members of the Cicero Kiwanis.”

Bailey continued: “A donation of just $10 provides two books, a $25 gift provides five books, $50 provides 10 books, and so on. A gift of $500 guarantees books will be provided for 100 students. We’re simply asking folks to visit our website, learn about the program, and consider a gift of any amount to support this great cause.”

Within 24 hours of launching the campaign, the club began seeing online gift transactions, and quickly raised over 15 percent of their goal.

“It was thrilling to see the immediate response,” Bailey noted. “Now, we need a push to reach our target.”

If the $6,000 goal is met, both the spring and summer 2025 programs will be fully funded.

“These are exciting times,” Bailey said. “Let’s get children reading books they love!”

To learn more and support the Books for a Bright Future initiative by contributing to the campaign, visit cicerokiwanis.org/programs/books.