NDLC'S MARCH READING CLUB PICK
This March, Notre Dame Learning Center brought its reading club to life in a meaningful and hands-on way through a story called Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena. A simple weekly reading activity quickly grew into a deeper conversation about community, gratitude, and the ways we can show up for others. As the students followed CJ and his grandmother on their bus ride through the city, they explored big ideas together- what it means to find beauty in everyday moments, to appreciate what you have, and to see value in helping others.
To bring these lessons into real life, the reading club did a special project: creating care packages for children in the community and donating them to Cameron Community Ministries. The students started by decorating each box with colorful drawings, stickers, and personalized “about me” sections. These thoughtful touches helped transform each package into something more than just a collection of items- it became a connection between kids, built on empathy and care.
As they filled the boxes with small items- things that might bring comfort or fun… like toothbrushes, books, and notepads- the students were able to see firsthand how even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. It reinforced the message from Last Stop on Market Street: that joy can be found in giving, in community, and in appreciating the little things we often take for granted. Through this project, our students didn’t just read about community; they actively contributed to it.