U-46 schools donate money, food to needy families

Elgin Area School District U-46 schools this month raised more than $8,000, collected nearly 3,000 gifts and more than 100 boxes of canned goods for needy families.

For the third year, Prairieview Elementary School in Bartlett has partnered with teachers Les and Cindy Carlson to support Garfield Elementary School in Elgin. Each year students, their families, and Prairieview staff members raise more money than the previous year. This year they also donated coats, said Prairieview Principal Paul Flatley.

"It's so inspiring to see our students look out for the less fortunate throughout the year, not just during the holidays," Flatley said. "It is an honor and privilege to have such caring people who truly know the meaning of the season."

Schools collectively raised $8,320 to buy gifts, meals, and clothing. Students, teachers and staff also collected canned goods and nonperishable items to contribute to Food for Greater Elgin, which serves low-income residents of Elgin, South Elgin and East Dundee.

Students at Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin raised $2,552 toward the effort.

"It is so important our students realize there are always people less fortunate that can easily be helped by working as a team," said Mike Demovsky, Kenyon Woods principal.

Fox Meadow Elementary School in South Elgin provided 2,730 meals to those in need.

The "Change for Hunger" campaign aligns with one of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiatives, specifically "caring for others," Principal Sjoukje Brown said.

"That is something we will always support and encourage," Brown said.

Fox Meadow students also granted a wish for Christmas cards from 8-year-old Sa'fyre Terry of Schenectady, New York, who lost her family in a fire. Sa'fyre survived with severe burns to her face, and lost her right hand and foot.

On Friday, the South Elgin school sent about 700 cards via priority mail, an all-school photo and some Fox Meadow Spirit Wear, to Sa'fyre.

"A lot of students wrote 'I'm thinking of you, my family is thinking about you,' just a lot of really kind thoughts," Brown said. "We are extremely proud of our students and their willingness to help others."