Stevenson students work to help needy for holidays

Stevenson High School National Honor Society students formed a human chain Wednesday as they moved bags of gifts from a full semitrailer into the Catholic Charities gift collection and distribution center in Waukegan.

The charity will collect gifts at the center and distribute those items in the next couple of weeks to help 16,000 low-income individuals throughout Lake County.

"It is awesome. There are so many that need a little help at Christmas, so it's good will on the volunteers part but it's great will for our clients and community," co-coordinator Barbara Campbell said. "It is a well-oiled, run machine."

About 200 people volunteer to help in the collecting, organizing, wrapping and distributing of gifts for the holiday charity that has been operating for nearly 18 years.

"I look forward to it all year long. It is a highlight to see one or two people who come in everyday that are just so grateful that it brings tears to your eyes. It is very rewarding," said Darlene Frantonius of Hawthorn Woods, who has been a volunteer for more than 11 years.

Almost 20 volunteers and 85 students bustled about the center, moving gifts to one area and sending bicycles to another. Others organized toys and clothing into types and sizes in purposeful mayhem.