Stevenson's 37th Give-a-Thon brings students, staff together to help those in need
Four hundred families in Lake County will benefit from Stevenson High School's annual Give-a-Thon. Now in its 37th year, the schoolwide event was held last month to collect food and personal supplies and raise money to purchase gifts for the families in need.
Around 200 teachers and staff participated, and 500 student leaders oversaw the program at the Lincolnshire school. More than 55 bicycles were among the items purchased, and collections filled 350 boxes of food, 50 boxes of baby items and 80 boxes of diapers.
The school partners with Catholic Charities of Lake County, St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church PADS shelter and the Vernon Township food pantry. Food donations stock the pantry for six months, and the diapers and baby formula last even longer.
Additional money was raised through an online store, with funds going to Catholic Charities to buy additional gifts. Items were delivered to the various organizations on Wednesday, Dec. 1.
The event is coordinated by the National Honor Society and assisted by the Freshman Mentor Program and student council.
"Give-a-Thon is such an important event each year for many reasons. It brings a sense of unity within the school as teachers and the student body get involved," said teacher and National Honor Society club sponsor Courtney Zabrin.
"Our donations allow us to give back to the community we live in for both needs and wants as we stock the food pantry, PADS shelter and with holiday gifts for kids."
Zabrin said they've worked with the three organizations for more than 10 years, and added that the Give-a-Thon also has a big impact within the school walls.
"Not only does this event bring our school together for the good of the community, but it allows students to step up in various ways as leaders in their classrooms. They can take these leadership skills with them post-high school and hopefully put them to use as they continue on with volunteering and service in the future," Zabrin said.