On Friday, October 9th, A Safer West Loop set up a table at Mary Bartelme Park for its first community event, the West Loop Book Drive. The drive invited neighbors to donate new or gently used books to support local readers and families, while giving the group a chance to introduce itself and start conversations about making the neighborhood safer.

Community leader John McHugh spent the afternoon at the table, collecting book donations and talking with neighbors about the safety issues on their minds. The conversations covered a range of local concerns, including a wave of car break-ins, crime at night, and questions about the local school board.

For a group built around people, places, parks, and progress, the afternoon was a meaningful start. The conversations gave the organization a clearer picture of what residents want addressed, and every donated book was a small first step toward building the trust which leads to a safer, more connected neighborhood.

This event is supported by the American Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which advances a leadership framework that encourages civic engagement and strengthens communities. ASI is reviving the American Dream by fostering civic engagement and recruiting neighbors to reengage in their communities.

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