Larry Crawford finds joy working with special needs students

Once a week, Larry Crawford doesn't spend his lunch break reading a book, surfing the Web or even doing work.

Instead, the Lombard man meets with special needs students from Naperville Unit District 203's transition program, helping them learn about money and develop social and life skills, as well as being a friend.

"He just has a great heart and he never gives up," said Rose Marie Santelli, a teacher in the transition program. "He's always trying to find new ways to help people with disabilities."

Crawford, director of financial and internal controls for OfficeMax, met Santelli in 2007 when he was part of a team from the company that presented her with an award during its "A Day Made Better" program. He and a group of about eight employees started volunteering regularly to help Santelli's primary multi-needs students at Beebe Elementary by reading and playing games with them.

This year, Santelli has a new role working with transition students - 18- to 22-year-olds with disabilities who need help with life and vocational skills. Crawford stuck with her and now a handful of transition students come to visit him weekly at the OfficeMax headquarters.

They eat lunch together, chat and play educational games.

"They love him," Santelli said. "We'll be working on a project and they'll be like 'we have to tell Mr. Larry' or 'I wonder what Mr. Larry would think about it.' He's made a positive impact on their lives. He doesn't see a disability, he helps them like he would help anyone else."

He is even in the process of helping one of the students land a job with the company.

Crawford says it's the teachers who deserve the credit and he's happy to help them. He enjoys being able to advance students' skills and form new friendships.

"I usually eat at my desk, so it's nice to get away and do something," he said. "The kids are terrific and it's fun to interact with them."