Holiday donations sought for Woodland families in need
Woodland schools will host a holiday food drive through Monday, Dec. 11, to help students and their families.
Business partners assisting with fundraising efforts this year include Boston Chicken, Chipolte, Penn Station, MOD Pizza, Target, Prairie Orthodontics, and Evereve Clothing Store.
"Thirty-five percent, or more than 2,000 children, in Woodland schools are living in low-income or impoverished situations. The annual drive is a staff-driven tradition of providing additional support to Woodland families during the holiday season," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joy A. Swoboda said.
"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."
The school district is also collecting new hats and mittens and new or gently-used books. Parents may send their donations to school with their child or drop donations off at the Woodland Educational Support Center, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee; (847) 596-5600.
To ensure a variety of items are donated to families in need, the district offers some suggestions:
• Primary School: Canned meals/meat: spaghetti and meatballs, SpaghettiOs, baked beans, chili, ravioli, tuna fish, chicken, Manwich; paper products: napkins, facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, Handi-wipes.
• Elementary: Canned soup/stew boxed food: Hamburger Helper, Pasta Roni/noodles, potatoes, stuffing, rice, macaroni and cheese; personal care: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste toothbrushes, lotion, lip balm.
• Intermediate: Canned vegetables pasta sauce/noodles; snacks: crackers, pudding, fruit snacks, Animal Crackers, Goldfish, pretzels, fruit cup.
• Middle School: Canned fruit, breakfast foods: cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, granola bars, Nutri-grain bars, cereal bars, Special K bars; cleaning supplies: window cleaner, multipurpose cleaners (409, Mr. Clean, Fantastic), dish soap, laundry detergent.
• Educational Support Center/Transportation: Condiments/etc.: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, cooking spray, salt/pepper dispensers.
"Our families greatly appreciate any donation. Thank you in advance to those who find it in their hearts to make donations that go directly to our needy community members," Swoboda said.
For information, or if you know of a needy district family who may benefit from receiving a holiday food basket, contact Lori Casey, associate superintendent of education, at lcasey@dist50.net.