Aurora literacy center to host May 12 fundraiser at three local pizzerias

Aurora's Dominican Literacy Center will hold fundraisers at three Lou Malnati's Pizzerias on Wednesday, May 12.

"Raise a Slice for a Good Cause" fundraisers to benefit the DLC will be held at Malnati's locations in Aurora, Oswego and Naperville. Locations and hours are: Aurora: 1720 N. Orchard Rd., Suite 110, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Oswego: 2848 Route 34, from 4 to 10 p.m.; and Naperville: 131 W. Jefferson Ave., from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The restaurant will donate 20 percent of sales to the Dominican Literacy Center when patrons mention the fundraiser with orders. Orders may be dine-in, carryout or delivery. For online and app orders, use code FUNDDLC21.

Dominican Sister Kathleen Ryan, center founder and director, said applications for new students and tutors are being accepted for fall classes. Weekly 90-minute tutoring sessions at the center, 260 Vermont Ave. in Aurora, open Sept. 9. Tutor training will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 17, 19 and 24. To apply or for more information, call (630) 898-4636 or visit dominicanliteracycenter.org.

Founded in 1993 by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, the Dominican Literacy Center organizes female volunteer tutors to deliver free English classes to more than 150 immigrant women annually. Additionally, free citizenship classes are offered to both men and women.

The center's mission is to enable immigrant families to participate in their communities learning to read, write and speak English. The center has served more than 2,000 Aurora-area residents since its founding.

The center has grown from five students and five teachers to 150 students from 16 countries, taught by dedicated volunteer tutors each year.

Call (630) 898-4636 or visit dominicanliteracycenter.org for more information.