Gilberts woman's warmth 'lights up' children's faces
Laura Factly loves seeing the faces of young children "light up" when she walks into the room.
It's motivated her to volunteer for the past eight years at Lakewood Elementary School in Carpentersville, where she herself studied.
Factly, 31, of Gilberts, recently received Carpentersville's 2014 Community Service Award for her volunteer efforts in Hampshire-based Community Unit District 300, reading to fifth and sixth graders and working in the school library.
"They enjoy coming out to read with me, and every time, when I would go into a room, all of the kids would raise their hands," she said. "It's really nice to feel that way ... makes me happy. I love to develop a friendship with the kids. We would talk and laugh and have such a good time."
Carpentersville Assistant Village Manager Joe Wade made a surprise visit to Lakewood School on Oct. 29 to present Factly with the award.
Sponsored by the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, the award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to give back to the community. Factly was honored for her accomplishment during the chamber's Community Service Award Celebration on Nov. 19 at Randall Oaks Golf Club and Banquets.
Factly has positively impacted hundreds of children and school staff members, Lakewood teacher Kelly Uehlein said.
"She is a dedicated volunteer who motivates young students to enjoy reading. Her positive energy and love for reading is contagious to the students around her," Uehlein said.
Factly said everyone at the school is "really nice" and welcoming of her.
"They all say 'good morning,'" she said.
It's not just children, but also critters at the Animal House Shelter in Huntley who have benefitted from Factly's warm and generous nature.
"I love animals," Factly said. "I love helping to make them happy. It's kind of a little sad ... they just need the attention."
Factly's parents, Cindy and Jerry Factly, are proud of their daughter's contributions to the community.
"Whenever she is around she lifts the spirits of everybody," mother Cindy Factly said. "She is such a people person, always happy and makes people feel good."