Warren students collecting gifts for needy children in Chicago through a Letters for Santa program

Warren Township High School students, staff and community members are preparing to make the season a bit brighter for more than 1,300 needy children in a Chicago public school.

Students at the Reilly School in Chicago will receive presents from Warren through a Letters for Santa program provided by Direct Effect Charities. The program collects letters from the neediest children in schools where there is a high poverty level, and distributes the letters to donors asking that a gift of no more than $25 be purchased, wrapped and delivered.

With a limit of $25 per gift, Warren provides approximately $32,000 in giving.

The letters were divided, with half going for distribution at the O'Plaine Campus for freshmen and sophomores and half to the Almond Campus for juniors and seniors.

National Honor Society and Student Council members coordinate this program. Not only are individuals making donations, but some classes are pooling their money to purchase presents.

Wrapped gifts will be collected and organized after school during the week of Dec. 8-10. On Friday, Dec. 12, Chicago Public School vehicles are expected to be at the O'Plaine Campus, 500 N. O'Plaine Road, Gurnee and the Almond Campus, 34090 Almond Road, Gurnee to pick up presents.