WEST CHESTER TWP. — As Beth Bonin readies the meeting room at North Pointe Town Homes, it's not unusual to see several pairs of eyes peeking in the window — students eager to come in.

        It's that kind of enthusiasm that prompts the Freedom Elementary School teacher to volunteer at the weekly Homework Club at North Pointe, which began its fifth year last week.

        Every Wednesday, children from the complex wait for the doors to open at 4:30 p.m. For 45 minutes, three or more teachers from their school oversee the students as they finish their homework, read books, or work with younger children.

        The program, begun by fifth-grade teacher Beverly Gfroerer, was one of two to receive a community service award and plaque from the Hamilton/Fairfield/West Chester branch of the NAACP.

        “That school is a bright spot and is doing an excellent job,” said NAACP branch president Gary Hines. “What you have is educators who saw a need. On their own time, they decided they wanted to help and are going the extra mile.”

        This year, 27 teachers have volunteered for the program, Ms. Gfroerer said.

        “They love the attention,” she said. “Sometimes they make up work just to be there. You really get close to these children.”

        Some children, Ms. Bonin said, haven't made the connection that the volunteers are teachers from their school.

        “I think they think that's what we do — Homework Club,” Ms. Bonin said. “We were very honored as a school to receive this. We do it because we love it.”

        Participating children must bring work with them or a book to read. Sometimes their siblings — as young as preschool — come along.

        “We try very hard not to make this a social hour. We bring supplies and the children have to work,” said Ms. Bonin.

        Both women said the program wouldn't be possible if not for Maggie Hill, the complex's manager, who allows them to use the meeting room. This past summer she allowed the teachers to come to the complex for their weekly Wednesday Book Swap.

        Teachers brought donated books for the students to borrow and swap for another book the following week.

        “This is something we think is important,” Ms. Hill said. “It's such an awesome school. I'm so proud of them.”

        Freedom volunteers Phil Brackett, Herman Byrd, James Myers and Joe Villegas also received community service awards for their mentoring at the school. They all work for UPS.

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