Glen Ellyn schools, other groups helping kids in need

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 will be spreading some Christmas cheer to families in need this month through its Holiday Sharing program.

District community members and other local organizations will lend a helping hand to families by giving them gifts for their children and gift cards for food.

Kids up to age 18 will get to enjoy gifts like books, toys and gift cards. About 250 District 41 families will be assisted through the holiday drive this year, District 41 PTA Council Community Outreach Committee Co-Chairman Margaret Giffin said.

The district has been spearheading the program for a few years, and its scope has expanded over time. Gifts will be delivered to families later this week, Giffin said.

"The children that attend your school and that attend schools in the district are part of each other's lives and parents become part of each other's lives," District 41 PTA Council Community Outreach Co-Chair Erica Nelson said. "And so especially at holiday time I think we see a natural desire on people's parts to want to reach out and help and support and I think they like to be able to do that locally."

This year, District 41 has partnered with St. Petronille Parish's Council of Catholic Women, the Glendale Heights Police Department, Westline Church and the Glen Ellyn Junior Woman's Club to provide support to families.