DuPage County teens kick off summer by making a difference

On June 24, 55 high school students from DuPage County gathered at the Glenbard High School District 87 office in Glen Ellyn to create more than 50 blankets for animals at the DuPage County Animal Services facility.

The event also featured six golden retriever comfort dogs from Lutheran Charities, who brought joy and affection to the teen volunteers.

This service project was part of the Reality Illinois Summer Volunteer program. Reality Illinois is the Teen Advisory Board to the DuPage County Health Department, offering students a chance to have fun, meet like-minded peers, build their resumes, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Reality Illinois is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for peers' mental health and well-being. The group meets weekly during the summer and monthly during the school year.

The next session, “Beginning Yoga” will take place on Tuesday, July 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Glenbard District 87 office, 596 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

No registration is required. For more information, contact Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or (630) 942-7668.