St. Charles East teachers make Christmas merrier for Maya

Teachers from St. Charles Unit District 303 volunteered behind the counter on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the McDonald's on Main Street.

The teachers worked hard to serve students and their families in a fundraiser on giving, Tuesday for Maya Donis's family to raise money for a wheelchair accessible van for the St. Charles East freshman who has cerebral palsy.

Jim Richter, principal of St. Charles East High School, alongside assistant principals Lisa Dandre, Mark Orszula, and Kelly Brittan, as well as the over 30 teachers that volunteered during the event. All worked very hard to raise money for Maya's family.

The proceeds from 119 pies went directly to benefit Maya's family van purchase.

Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the McTeacher's Night sales were also donated directly to St. Charles East, which plans to give the money to the Donis family to help with the purchase of the van.

John Lardas, owner-operator of the St. Charles McDonald's, was delighted to participate in the worthy cause for education and the community.

"McTeacher's Night is part of McDonald's larger commitment to education and other important initiatives supporting families and the local community," Lardas said.

"We are proud to serve the families of the St. Charles East community through the McTeacher's Night event," Lardas continued. "In addition to helping provide financial support for our local schools, we help students feel connected to their school, their teachers and their sense of community."

Lardas donated a case of apple pies to the school for sale at the event to help Maya's family. Assistant Principal Brittan and teachers Elizabeth Charles, and Jonathan Kittl all took turns wearing the pie costume to raise money for the Donis family while teachers Debra Austin, Deena Ellerbusch, Melissa Oetke, Kittle, and Charles all helped sell the pies during the night.

"Principal Richter and Assistant Principals Dandre, Brittan and Orszula and all the teachers who rolled up their sleeves in support of this event are the fabrics that strengthen our community," Lardas said.

A very special thank you goes out to Assistant Principal of Student Life Lisa Dandre, who organized the entire event as she does every year.

The St. Charles East McTeacher's Night was courtesy of Yanni Management and McDonald's owner-operator John Lardas. Like the St. Charles McDonald's on Facebook.

To donate to the Donis Family van purchase for Maya, visit www.gofundme.com/wheelchair-accessable-van-for-maya

For more information about events provided by the St. Charles McDonald's, please contact Community Relations Director, Julie Travers at julie.travers@comcast.net.