Woodland students join their teachers to shop for needy peers

Students from Woodland Elementary East School in Gages Lake wandered around Target in Gurnee on Wednesday shopping for food items with their teachers as part of Shop with an Educator night.

The event was part of Woodland School District 50's holiday food drive that runs through Friday to benefit less fortunate children and families in the district.

"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," Superintendent Joy A. Swoboda said in a news release. "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."

Other businesses participating in this year's efforts include Jewel-Osco and Boston Market in Gurnee, Bonnie's Chic Boutique and BBQ'd Productions Grill, both in Third Lake.

Parents are asked to send donations to school with their child or they can drop them off at the Woodland Educational Support Center, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road in Gurnee by Friday.

For more information, or if you know of a needy district family who might benefit from a holiday food basket, contact Evelyn Cacioppo, Elementary West social worker, at ecacioppo@dist50.net or (847) 984-8990.