Glenwood School comes out a winner, thanks to donors' generosity

Glenwood School for Boys and Girls may sit on one of the most misunderstood pieces of property in St. Charles, but that hasn't kept the people who believe in the school from supporting the organization at levels not seen in most other places in the nonprofit world. And Thursday, that support, creating a warm feeling for every donor, will literally translate into a warm feeling for all 55 students at the 30-acre campus.

Spokeswoman Erin Lichtenberger said many people conjure the image of the barb-wired youth detention center in St. Charles when they hear about a school for underprivileged students. In reality, Glenwood is just the opposite. It's a safe place for young people to get the education and access to opportunities that many residents of the youth detention center never had.

"The great thing about Glenwood is we're preventive," Lichtenberger said. "Our students have never been in any trouble. And there's so many good things going on here."

Those good things are funded through the generosity of donations. Recently, the school's Thanksgiving luncheon raised about $700,000 in donations for the its two campuses. Prizes donated by the school's board of trustees and outside supporters included a trip to the Academy Awards (netting a $41,000 winning bid) and celebrity golf packages (bringing in up to $65,000 for a bid).

Lichtenberger said the school will have some tight times during the current economy, but hasn't seen the same problems other organizations have because donors believe so much in the program the school offers.

"Most other organizations are closing their doors, and it is just heartbreaking," Lichtenberger said. "We'll absolutely be able to ride out this economy because our donors are just so incredible. It does speak volumes for how long the school has been there and how incredible the whole organization is."

Most celebrations involve students in some fashion, but they are coordinated to benefit the operation of the school. But Thursday, local volunteers will host a Christmas party for the students themselves. The students typically spend the week on campus and return to the homes (mainly in Elgin and Aurora) on the weekends and during holidays. The Christmas party will be a celebration of the holidays with their classmates and a special visit from Santa Claus. Lichtenberger said the party will have a new element of surprise this year thanks to another of the school's generous donors, Willow Creek Community Church. Every student at the school will receive a brand new winter coat.

The school is always seeking volunteers who want to be involved. For more information call Lichtenberger a (847) 464-8243.