West Chicago Elementary School District 33, in partnership with the City of West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library District, and the West Chicago Park District, is organizing a special community drive to provide support for at-risk Veterans and their families in the surrounding region.
This community drive is dedicated to collecting essential items, including general household goods and hygiene supplies, in preparation for Veterans' Day on Saturday, November 11. All donations will be directed to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton for distribution.
The coordination of this drive is led by Evonne Cruz, a music teacher at Gary Elementary School. When asked about the inspiration behind the initiative, Cruz stated, "The initiative aims not only to assist our Veterans, who have made significant sacrifices for each of us, but also to foster a deeper connection between our students and military service members."
To strengthen the connection between students and military service members, 5th grade student leaders will be orchestrating and promoting donation drives at the School District leading up to Veterans' Day. Additionally, several students from Gary Elementary School have contributed their artistic talents to create pieces of artwork expressing gratitude to military members for their service. These artworks will be included with the multiple donation containers distributed at various schools and throughout the community.
"We hope that the community can rally behind our students so that we can all work together to support those who have given so much for us," stated Cruz.
Items Needed:
While the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans' Freedom Commissary always appreciates items from their move-in housing supply list, the following items are currently in high demand:
- Dish Soap
- All-Purpose Cleaner and Spray
- Garbage Bags (13-gallon)
- Deodorant (Men's and Women's)
- Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Kleenex)
- Body Wash (Men's and Women's)
Where to Donate:
Students from various Elementary School District 33 schools will be encouraged to donate items at their respective schools throughout the month of October. Residents and organizations interested in contributing to this worthy cause can also donate items at the following locations:
- West Chicago Park District's ARC Center at 201 W. National Street
- West Chicago Public Library at 118 W. Washington Street
- West Chicago City Hall at 475 Main Street
For questions or more information, please contact cruze@wego33.org or communications@westchicago.org.