Encouraging staff to donate to those in need, the school selected three families to help this holiday season through the Adopt-A-Family program. 

“It is a program through Winfield Township in West Chicago that allows families in need to be ‘adopted’ for the holiday season,” activities director Marc Wolfe said. 

Staff donated clothing and toys that the families requested. 

“The list of gift requests went out to staff in mid-November and all items were quickly signed up for,” Wolfe said. “Those that adopt them agree to purchase items to help make the holiday season a little better and brighter for families in need.”

The school began helping Adopt-A-Family five years ago. 

“I’m always blown away by the generosity of our staff.  We can’t deliver directly to the families this year due to COVID-19 so we’ll be dropping them off at a central location for them to pick up.  But every year we deliver we have multiple cars filled to the brim with gifts,” Wolfe said. 

Every year, staff helps three families. 

“The families are always so appreciative and I think it is a great opportunity to help others and make us all realize we are part of a special community,” Wolfe said. 

Even if staff did not participate in the gift exchange, there are other ways to help.

Wolfe encouraged people to help local grocery stores or small businesses. 

“If people still want to participate we are encouraging them to donate grocery gift cards or gift cards to local small businesses in the area,” Wolfe said. “I think we all recognize that if you are fortunate to give and help others, you should, especially during times like we’ve had this year.”