A group of Grace Point Place residents brought their love of literature to the classroom this week, sharing books and stories with students at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn.

The seniors, who live at the Anthem Memory Care community at 5701 W. 101st St., visited the school on Sept. 11 to donate some of their favorite books. They delivered the titles to 10 classrooms at the school, located at 10110 S. Central Ave., and spent the afternoon meeting students and teachers.

Grace Point Place resident, Maxine Vaughter, a former school teacher, poses with a student from Southwest Chicago Christian School. (Photo by Kelly White)

Each book was hand-picked by the residents, who also wrote messages inside for the children.

“Many of our residents were avid readers and enjoy engaging with youngsters through their love of books,” said Katie Shrader, life engagement director for Grace Point Place. “It’s a great way for the two generations to connect while providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our elders.”

For some residents, the visit was a return to familiar territory.

Maxine Vaughter, a former fifth-grade teacher, said she was happy to meet the students and share her love of books once again. Another former teacher, Julia Erbin, said the experience brought her back to her own days in the classroom.

Grace Point Place resident Terry Jo O’Neil, who shared a book with a second-grade class, said she was “so grateful and thankful” for the experience.

Southwest Chicago Christian School Principal Tony Gabrielse said the visit was meaningful for both the students and the residents.

“This is a really special connection that we have with the residents of Grace Point Place,” Gabrielse said. “We want to get to know our neighbors better and hope to build the connection.”

The exchange gave seniors the opportunity to share memories and pass on beloved stories, while students gained new reading material and lasting connections with older generations.

Southwest Chicago Christian School Principal Tony Gabrielse and Grace Point Place resident Terry Jo O’Neil talk to a second grade classroom on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Kelly White)

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