District 214 Education Foundation brings in over $35,000 in donations to aid fire victims
The District 214 Education Foundation facilitated more than $35,000 in relief funding - the result of contributions from local residents, employees and community partners - to Wheeling High School families impacted by the debilitating fire that destroyed a Prospect Heights condominium complex in July.
The funds, raised through an online campaign and two third-party fundraisers coordinated by the Wheeling Park District and District 214 retiree Ken Stiff in partnership with the Foundation, supported emergency needs of more than two dozen Wheeling students displaced from their homes, and their families.
As part of the effort, nearly 65 mattresses were purchased for the families using the funds, providing entire families with spaces to sleep in their new homes.
"It was such an outpouring of love and support on behalf of our community," said Erin Brooks, executive director of the Foundation. "It was truly an inspiring show of philanthropy, and reminded all of us why we do what we do and why we work in this community: because this community lifts you up, works together to support our schools, and gives to our students with the knowledge that providing them hope now can lead to a brighter tomorrow and a successful future."
The mattresses were provided by Chicago Custom Fundraising Solutions, which donated several of the beds and underwrote a significant percentage of the remainder. Community partner Jim Kelly housed the mattresses in a warehouse he rented for the purpose of gathering and distributing furniture to fire victims, and District 214 custodial workers delivered the beds with help from Wheeling High School social workers, who worked closely with the families throughout the process to ensure the funds raised were meeting the most significant needs.
"This was the definition of a team effort," said Tom Scotese assistant principal for student services at Wheeling High School. "We are so grateful to all who gave, and the support you provided our Wheeling families. The need in so many cases continues, but together, we were able to provide significant assistance."
The fire, on July 18, displaced dozens from their homes, including approximately 25 Wheeling students and 2018 Wheeling graduates. Donations also covered school supplies and clothing for the affected families, as well as other needs.
The District 214 Education Foundation supports student success and innovation beyond the limitations of conventional funding for public education. To learn more about opportunities for support, visit www.214foundation.org.