Female athletes from Chicago high schools donate books to elementary school

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Three thousand female athletes from Chicago area high schools are making a difference on and off the field.

They collected and donated 7,500 books for children at Mahalia Jackson Elementary School in the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

The group surprised students there with donations Wednesday. Most are from low-income families.

Mahalia Jackson Elementary avoided closure in 2013. The students will be able to use the donated books at school and at home.