Devonshire students help Des Plaines food pantry

Students at Devonshire Elementary School in Des Plaines personally delivered approximately 30 boxes of food to the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines on Jan. 10.

For several weeks prior to the visit, the entire school collected food and boxed it up to be sent over to the food pantry.

On delivery day, the students were given a tour of the facility by Executive Director Debbie Walusiak, who talked about the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.

Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 made a video showing students delivering the food to the pantry and showing students, school officials and Walusiak talking about the role such efforts play in teaching values. It is at the website ccsd59.org.

“If we can provide students with the opportunity to help others in their community, it will help our students be good citizens in our city and the world,” said Devonshire School Principal Randy Steinkamp.

District 59 Superintendent Art Fessler agreed. “The event creates a significant life experience in helping others that is often difficult to replicate through classroom activities. It’s a joy to see our students passionate about helping others within their community.”

If you’d like to volunteer or make a donation to the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines, contact Walusiak at (847) 375-1443. Information is at selfhelppantry.org or facebook.com/desplainesfoodpantry.