Winnetka Mother and Son Bring Books to Chicago Kids

Lowey Bundy Sichol and her son Tucker are turning their hometown into a pipeline of hope for students who need it most.

The duo is leading a book drive that collects gently used and new books for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. All donations will stock school libraries in Title I schools on Chicago's South Side, where resources often run thin.

Three Winnetka locations are accepting books through May 15. Residents can drop off donations at the Winnetka Library on Oak Street, Hubbard Woods School on West Chatfield Road, or Bratschi Plumbing on Oak Street.

The family is requesting books appropriate for elementary and middle school students. Board books and baby books don't fit the current need, as the focus stays on helping older students discover the joy of reading.

Title I schools serve communities where at least 40% of students come from low-income families. These schools often struggle to maintain updated library collections, making community donations critical for keeping shelves full and imaginations fired up.

The Ripple Effect

When Tucker and his mom started this effort, they created more than just a book collection point. They built a bridge between two communities separated by just a few miles but worlds apart in resources.

Every donated book represents a chance for a South Side student to see themselves in a story, learn something new, or escape into adventure. Research shows that access to books at school directly impacts reading achievement, especially for students who may not have books at home.

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. Winnetka families can clean out their bookshelves while Chicago students gain access to stories that might change their lives. It's the kind of win that ripples outward, creating readers who become learners who become leaders.

Young Tucker is also learning that leadership starts with seeing a need and deciding to act. His example shows other kids that you don't have to wait until you're grown to make a real difference in someone's life.

With just weeks left in the drive, every book counts toward building stronger school libraries where South Side students can discover their next favorite story.