Hoffman Estates students make pies for families in need

In what's been an annual tradition, students and parents at Lincoln Prairie Elementary School in Hoffman Estates on Monday prepared apple and pumpkin pies for needy members of the community on Thanksgiving.

But this was the first year the effort started years ago by fourth- and fifth-graders in lieu of a holiday party was undertaken by the entire school.

Based on the donation of ingredients, the students and parents were able to make 80 pies for those who shop at the Willow Creek Care Center at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.

"We're very happy to keep this tradition running," said Michelle Cunningham, chairwoman of the Lincoln Prairie Parent-Teacher-Student Association's philanthropic committee. "We have a very generous community."

The assembled pies were taken home to be baked in their parents' ovens. Parent volunteers will bring the baked pies to the Willow Creek Care Center today for pickup Wednesday.