District 70 students help other struck by natural disasters

Submitted by Libertyville Elementary District 70

Libertyville Elementary District 70’s fundraiser, “Sheltering From the Storm,” raised more than $3,400 through coin collection jars set up in school offices.

The $3,402.30 raised from the districtwide fundraiser will go to help downstate Illinois residents hurt by a tornado last fall, as well as those left devastated by the typhoon in the Philippines.

Money raised from the districtwide fundraiser will go to the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter to help those struggling after a tornado touched down in Washington, Ill., and killed six people Nov. 17, a day the weather service said 24 tornadoes hit Illinois.

The other half of the funds raised will go toward purchasing Shelter Boxes for those devastated when typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in early November. Shelter Box USA would then provide Shelter Boxes consisting of a 10-person tent, mosquito netting, mats, bedding, water purification systems, a stove and cooking utensils to the Philippines.

The fundraiser was begun by the school district’s character building program committee Character Counts.

“District 70 families have big hearts, as they always find ways to help others during hard times, “ said Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher.

“The Character Counts lessons taught in the classrooms are clearly linked in the homes. To bridge the desire to help is a genuine message of kindness and compassion.”

Character Counts member and Rockland teacher Dale List said, “As a district, we pride ourselves on our ability to uphold the pillars of Character Counts and show support to those in need. We thank everyone who supported this fundraiser to help the Filipinos, whose lives have been altered forever, and now for many of our own Illinois families.”

But some District 70 families found unique ways to raise money outside of school.

A small cadre of families held a “Phil-A-Cup” fundraiser in early December, where they invited residents into their home for a hot beverage. The families invited other D70 families and staff to warm up this winter by enjoying a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, along with baked goods, for a couple of dollars each.

Customers stayed and chatted in the makeshift coffee lounge staffed by children and supervised by adults.

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