U-46, Dist. 301 schools raise funds to combat hunger

Sixteen schools from Elgin Area School District U-46 and Burlington Central Unit District 301 have joined forces to raise funds for the Change for Hunger Challenge to help feed families in need.

"Every penny counts," said Michelle Frampton, director of community outreach for Food for Greater Elgin, the organizer and beneficiary of the program, now in its third year.

The program began earlier this month and runs through the end of January. Schools choose whatever length of time they want to do the fundraising. Each school must set a goal of raising $500 to combat hunger.

"Many schools exceed it, many schools hit the goal," Frampton said.

So far this year, five elementary schools, five middle schools and six high schools have signed up to participate, and more schools are getting on board every day, Frampton said.

"We provide absolutely everything to the schools," she said. "They get to choose from the tool kit - posters, fliers, measuring thermometers to reach their goal, collection jugs, grocery cart display of food of what a client will get at our facility."

The group also sends speakers to the schools to explain the program and get students pumped up, she added.

Students at Bartlett High School, who collected change through lunch period "penny wars" during homecoming week, were the first to complete the challenge. The school's student council raised $650 and allocated $162.50 toward Food for Greater Elgin's hunger challenge. The remainder will fund the school's Giving Tree program providing toys for needy children, Principal Richard Lebron said.

"I think that it's a great activity," Lebron said. "The fact that our students are involved, this shows the citizenship that they are developing in our community."

Participating schools are paired with corporate partners who rally behind the students and donate matching funds of $500.

"Last year, there were 14 partnerships and $14,500 was raised," Frampton said. That equated to providing $19,333 days worth of food for one person or feeding 725 families for a week, she added.

"This year, our goal is to see at least 20 partnerships for a total of $20,000 (raised)," she said.

Food for Greater Elgin serves 1,200 households or nearly 6,000 people monthly. About half of those served are children 18 and younger.

A mere $20 feeds a family of four for a week and 75 cents can feed one person for an entire day, Frampton said.

To take the Change for Hunger Challenge as a school or business partner, or to volunteer at food distributions, call Frampton at (847) 931-9330, ext. 306.