Holiday Donations Sought for Woodland Families in Need
Gurnee--Woodland Schools will host a holiday food drive through December 9 to help children in our schools and their families.
The effort includes a partnership with Jewel-Osco, which will host a collection site at its Gurnee location, 6509 W. Grand Avenue. Any food item donation made at this location will be used to help fill baskets for Woodland families. Other business partners for this year's efforts include Boston Market in Gurnee as well as Bonnie's Chic Boutique and BBQ'd Productions Grill, both in Third Lake.
"One in three children at Woodland is living in poverty, so this staff-driven tradition is our way to provide additional support to Woodland families during the holiday season," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joy A. Swoboda. "We certainly appreciate the support of our local business partners as we work collaboratively to support children and the families in need within our Woodland community."
Another highlight of the food drive is the Shop with an Educator night at Target in Gurnee. Woodland Elementary East and West children are invited to stop by Target with a family member and shop for food items to donate to less fortunate Woodland families. Elementary West students are invited to shop with an educator from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 and Elementary East students are invited to shop with an educator from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7. We are trying to fill a school bus with food purchases.
The school district is also collecting new hats and mittens and new or gently used books. Parents may send their donations to school with their child or drop donations off at the Woodland Educational Support Center, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, (847) 596-5600. Another opportunity to make donations is at parent-teacher conferences on Nov. 21 and 22.
To ensure a variety of items are donated to our families in need, here are some suggestions:
Primary School:
Canned Meals/Meat: spaghetti and meatballs, SpaghettiO®s, baked beans, chili, ravioli, tuna fish, chicken, Manwich®
Paper Products: napkins, facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, Handi-wipes®
Elementary:
Canned Soup/Stew
Boxed Food: Hamburger Helper®, Pasta Roni®/noodles, potatoes, stuffing, rice, macaroni and cheese
Storage Supplies: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, Ziploc® bags
Intermediate:
Canned Vegetables
Pasta Sauce/Noodles
Snacks: crackers, pudding, fruit snacks, Animal Crackers®, Goldfish®, pretzels, fruit cup
Middle School:
Canned Fruit
Breakfast Foods: cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, granola bars, Nutri-grain®bars, cereal bars, Special K® bars
Cleaning Supplies: window cleaner, multi-purpose cleaners (409®, Mr. Clean®, Fantastic®), dish soap, laundry detergent
Educational Support Center/Transportation:
Condiments/Etc: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, cooking spray, salt/pepper dispensers
"Any donation is greatly appreciated by our families. Thank you in advance to those who find it in their hearts to make donations that go directly to our needy community members," said Dr. Swoboda.
If you have any questions, or know of a needy district family who may benefit from receiving a holiday food basket, please contact Evelyn Cacioppo, Elementary West social worker at ecacioppo@dist50.net or (847) 984-8990.