BY MICHAEL SWEENEY
Sports Writer

Three years ago, when 13-year-old Kelly Shelinsky, of Oxford Circle, began bringing books into Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, she never thought she'd be recognized for fueling sick children's imaginations with stories.

Now, Shelinsky and the program coined "Kelly's Books for Bedsides" has enjoyed a storybook ending, boasting over 15,000 books and receiving national recognition.

Last week, Shelinsky received an honor given annually to only one high school student statewide: The Prudential Spirit of Community Award. At an assembly at St. Hubert's High School, Mayor Rendell, school officials, and a Prudential representative were on hand to applaud this St. Hubert's junior, stating she exemplified the best that young people can offer their communities.

Shelinsky began "Kelly's Book for Bedsides" because she knew what it was like to be a child in a hospital room. When she was nine years old, she was admitted to Children's Hospital.

Shelinsky was diagnosed with pancreatitis, an illness that stops the pancreas from producing vital enzymes need to digest food. It took six weeks of running tests and waiting before Shelinsky was diagnosed. Then she had to be admitted to the hospital to the hospital for two to four days at a time.

During that time, Shelinsky realized there weren't enough books in playrooms filled with toys. She wanted to be able to have children read with their parents.

That's when she decided to bring in her own collection of children's books. Shelinsky decided to place an advertisement asking for books in St. Martin of Tours Church bulletin and local newspapers.

Now, Shelinsky steps into the spotlight with her program. Getting used to seeing her face on posters throughout St. Hubert's and even laughing about her newfound stardom with friends who affectionately call her "book girl," Shelinsky is happy to receive all the attention-but not for her own ego. Instead, she said it gets the word out, prompting people to donate more books.

"Since we've received all this publicity, we've gotten so many books," Shelinksy said. "Before this, we had 4,000. Now we have 15,000."

Now even inner-city youth can enjoy "Kelly's Books for Bedsides." As a result of the surplus, a new program called "Reach Out and Read" makes it possible for books to be donated to inner city youth. Many of these books are from the "Kelly's Books for Bedsides" collection, which continues to grow.

Like many young people who decide to volunteer, Shelinsky is quickly learning that world-class action can result from single initiatives and that good deeds are often contagious.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Award is endorsed by the American Association of School Administrators and is a part of broad initiative by Prudential to encourage young people to become more involved in community service.

Chosen from over 11,000 applicants, Shelinsky received a silver medallion, two letters of commendation, and a $1,000. She received a VIP tour of the Holocaust Memorial Museum and dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Twelve other St. Hubert's student, including Shelinsky and sister Bridget, were honored as 1998 Champions of Caring at the same ceremony. The honorees were recognized at the citywide celebration of Youth Service Day last week.

They also went to Washington over the weekend. The awardees also include seniors Jennifer O'Connor, Danielle McNichol and Elizabeth Steiber; juniors Andrea Ahmie, Rebecca Mary Leonettie, Colleen McHale; and freshmen Elizabeth Bradley, Nicole Lauro, Laura Marquardt, and Kathleen Womelsdorf.

The Champians of Caring is a nonprofit organization which honors high school students who have committed themselves to service and who "go out of their way to make the world a better place."

To donate new or gently-used books to "Kelly's Books for Bedsides," contact St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls at 624-6840.

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