Portage Park Elementary School View Full Caption DNAinfo/Heather Cherone

PORTAGE PARK — A walkathon to raise money to install lockers at Portage Park Elementary School is set for Nov. 6.

A new curriculum has forced fourth- through eighth-grade students to lug their books from one class to another — and parent group Portage Park Helping Hands is working to lighten their load.

The second-annual walkathon will raise money for the lockers, which will cost $40,000 to install. Last year's event raised $8,800, vice chairwoman Victoria Benson said. Students will walk around the school, 5330 W. Berteau Ave.

"The kids love it," Benson said, adding that the school's mascot will participate in the event.

Heather Cherone says two local schools could use a little help from you and your legs:

Students are asked to get pledges of $20 to participate in the event.

The school recorded an increase in student test scores as compared with the previous year, after the new curriculum was implemented.

Members of Portage Park Helping Hands are asking local businesses to sponsor the walkathon, or contribute directly to the effort to fund lockers for middle school students.

Contributions can be made online.

For more information, email ppshelpinghands@gmail.com or call Benson at 773-320-3450.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: