Aurora Catholic junior class volunteers for day of service at Marklund

Posted October 13, 2025 10:58 pm

By Dawn Lassiter-Brueske, Marklund

Aurora Central Catholic students help Marklund resident Grant Z play an adaptive bingo game during the school’s Day of Service at the Marklund Hyde Center campus in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

111 students. Countless smiles.

The junior class at Aurora Central Catholic High School visited Marklund in Geneva on Monday, Oct. 6, for their school’s annual Day of Service.

Volunteering throughout the morning, the students’ compassion shined through every activity — including adaptive bingo, crafts and Marklund’s own unique version of soccer!

With support from Marklund’s therapy and volunteer staff, the students helped create a day full of laughter, connection and joy to the nonprofit organization and the 96 residents with developmental disabilities that it serves.

Aurora Central Catholic students Angelina Prado and Maddie Berry assist some of the Marklund residents in a game of adaptive bingo during the school's Day of Service at the Marklund Hyde Center campus in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

To learn more about volunteering with Marklund residents, visit marklund.org/volunteer.

Founded in 1954, Marklund offers residential, educational and day services to children and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities at locations in Elgin, Bloomingdale and Geneva. For more information on the nonprofit, visit marklund.org.

Aurora Central Catholic students assist Marklund Hyde Center residents in a game of adaptive soccer as part of the school's Day of Service. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Aurora Central Catholic students Anna, Katelyn and Isabella pose for a photo with a Marklund resident during the school's Day of Service at the Marklund Hyde Center campus in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton