Spirit of giving abounds at some local schools
Several local groups have gotten into the spirit of thanksgiving.
Last weekend, Judson University students headed to downtown Chicago by train to bring 120 brown bag lunches and blankets to the homeless. Kaia Hagberg, organizer of the event, said 49 students made the trip.
Arriving at Metra's Union Station, the students fanned out throughout the Loop, distributing the goods to those in need they encountered.
Hagberg, a junior, said Chicago was chosen instead of Elgin because the need was greater.
"It was a great experience," she said. "We heard some incredible stories."
The student organization plans to make the trip several times per semester, Hagberg said.
"We know the economy has hit a lot of people hard. A lot of circumstances have brought people to where they are. We want to help," she said.
In Elgin, the Rotary Club recently gave a $400 donation to Ellis Middle School's math program.
The funds, school officials said, will be put toward the purchase of scientific calculators for pre-algebra and algebra classes. The calculators, which cost $20 to $30 a piece, are not affordable for many students.
Down the road at Abbott Middle School, students collected 600 canned food items for Elgin's Crisis Center.
Eighth-grader Alexis Schreppel brought in more than 100 cans herself, school officials said.
Scholarship deadline approaching: The deadline to turn in applications for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship applications is fast approaching Friday, Dec. 12.
The scholarships, which vary in dollar amount and number by year, are awarded annually to Elgin Community students who have demonstrated an active interest and meaningful involvement in the areas of human rights, civil rights, or social justice.
Applicants must be a graduating student within the boundaries of Elgin Area School District U-46; have a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher; a clear judicial record; strong leadership qualities and a record of community service.
Applications should be mailed to Elgin City Hall, c/o the MLK Scholarship Committee, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin.