W.J. Murphy students help Mano a Mano in Round Lake Park

Students at W.J. Murphy Elementary School in Round Lake recently provided essential supplies for a child care room during a visit to their community partner, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center.

Murphy’s student council donated books, construction paper and crayons to Round Lake Park-based Mano a Mano. The idea was the result of a meeting between Murphy Principal Phil Georgia and Mano a Mano Director Carolina Duque regarding how the school and community organization could support each other.

Georgia approached Murphy Elementary student council sponsors Jennifer Etherington and Megan Pontarelli with the concept of donating items to Mano a Mano. They jumped at the opportunity, suggesting the event include a book and food drive and that it be tied to Thanksgiving.

“We’re always looking for ways our members can provide service to the community,” Etherington said. “It’s so important for them to be part of giving back for all that has been given to them.”

Upon arriving at Mano a Mano in late November, the student council members were given a tour of the building and an explanation of the classes and services the organization provides to the community

“We are so grateful,” Duque told the pupils. “You just doubled the size of our library.”

Georgia said it was “neat” to see how a little time and effort could go so far.

“I think many of our students realized ... that some simple actions, that really don’t require that much time and effort, can have a huge impact on others,” he said.

Mano a Mano’s stated mission is to empower immigrant and underserved families of Lake County to become full participants in American life by providing quality programs and services that educate and establish links to essential community resources.