advertisement

Schaumburg High students serve soup to help others

Each year, Schaumburg High School’s Chemistry of Foods classroom is transformed into a charitable restaurant that serves hearty homemade soups for a cause.

Students, staff and some community residents enjoyed the ninth annual Chemistry of Foods and Cool Beans Soup Charity Event on Nov. 30. All donations benefited the Elgin Community Crisis Center and the S.H.S. Magic Closet. Each year, the event draws more than 200 people.

“The average person — a student, teacher, parent — can help others,” said Ken Turner, science and Chemistry of Foods teacher. “They can make a difference by participating in the event, and there are a lot of people who will benefit from this.”

Students in Chemistry of Foods and Practices in Entrepreneurship prepared all the food. There were 10 different types of soups available for those who donated teenage-appropriate gifts to the charity. The portions were unlimited, and there were trays of fresh-baked dinner rolls, zucchini, focaccia and Italian breads, cookies, lemon bars and brownies.

In previous years, the soup event benefitted Toys 4 Tots. For the Elgin Community Crisis Center, individuals brought practical items for teenagers, such as clothing, blankets, gift cards, sports gear and beauty products.

“I like that we give back to the community,” said senior Shannon LaRoy, who will study culinary arts at Kendall College in the fall. “Everyone comes and is so nice.”

Fashion classes and the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) fashion and culinary chapters at Schaumburg High School transformed the foods classrooms into a “Winter Wonderland” seating area.

Alumni came to help with the event, as well.

“I came back because it’s a great experience and I think it’s amazing we can give away so many things to people who need it,” said Amanda Cleys, a 2012 Schaumburg High School graduate.

The idea originated from Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Kerry Frost, and gets grants from the Cook County Farm Bureau and help from Schaumburg High School.

“The students love to work this event,” Frost said.

“At the end of the day after everything is cleaned up, while they might have an ache in their leg, they also have a warm feeling in their hearts knowing that their efforts made a difference in someone’s life,” Turner said.

Guests line up to try various homemade soups. Some already knew their favorite, while others saved room to try as many as possible. Courtesy OF District 211
This is one of the many decorations put together by fashion students at Schaumburg High School. Courtesy OF District 211
Classrooms were transformed into “Winter Wonderland” seating areas for guests to eat. Courtesy OF District 211
Students in Practices in Entrepreneurship wore their Cool Beans T-shirts during the event. Junior Crystal Ayala worked Cool Bean’s Friday morning cafe, and then worked the charity event during school hours. Courtesy OF District 211
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.