Aurora Central Catholic students bring smiles to Marklund residents during Day of Service

Nearly 100 students and teachers from Aurora Central Catholic High School’s junior class spent their Day of Service volunteering at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva on Monday, Sept. 14.

Marklund is a nonprofit organization that provides residential and educational services as well as community day programs to adults and children with profound developmental disabilities.

Assisted by Marklund staff, the students paired up with residents for adaptive soccer and hands-on activities including playing bag games, taking part in a water relay and bubble games, bringing energy, connections and smiles across campus.

Aurora Central Catholic teacher Bob O’Malley noted that his biggest takeaway from the volunteer opportunity “was just seeing the students working with the residents and building bridges of empathy, patience, and inclusion. All the students warmed up quickly to the residents and, in a short period of time, were comfortable and really interacting with them.”

The school has chosen Marklund as one of its volunteer locations in the past, making it a day that is special not only for residents but for employees.

“We love having the junior class of Aurora Central Catholic High School join us for their Day of Service each year,” said Nikki Osterloh, volunteer program manager. “The teens bring so much fun and energy, and their smiles are truly contagious. It is wonderful to see the positive impact they have on our residents and staff.”

Founded in 1954, Marklund serves 181 residents and 96 students at its locations in Geneva, Elgin and Bloomingdale.

To learn more about volunteering, becoming an advocate, or making a donation to Marklund, go to marklund.org/get-involved-2/.