Making sacrifices to make others happy

Ten-year-old Matt Rice was busy Saturday morning, making picture frames at Pritchett Elementary School in Buffalo Grove to be given as presents to people he doesn't even know.

On a day when most people his age are watching cartoons or playing games, the youngster shrugged off the sacrifice he was making.

"We are doing stuff to make people happy," he said. "It's more important than watching cartoons."

Matt was among the 150 or so people who turned out at the school for the annual Make a Difference Day project.

Principal Matt Moreland said the school was dedicating its efforts to the residents of Little Angels in Elgin, a residential community for children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical needs.

Moreland said a teacher suggested the school adopt Little Angels two years ago after the charity they used to work for closed down.

Craft project stations filled an assembly room at the school as children and their parents worked on making door knockers, place mats, pillows and window decorations.

There was a sale of used books donated by students and their families, and a cash donation entitled a person to tickets for board game raffles being held throughout the day.

Moreland said the community also gets involved with, as two fast-food restaurants donated a share of their profits from earlier in the week to the cause and a third provided lunch for the volunteers at a discount.

"It is really gratifying to see all the support we get from throughout the area," Moreland said. "The teachers are really enthusiastic about the efforts, and the kids and their parents turn out in force."

Make a Difference Day brings out millions across the country on the fourth Saturday in October dedicated to helping others.

In April, the top 10 projects in the country win $10,000 donations for their charities from Paul Newman and the Newman's Own Foundation.

But perhaps the biggest winners are the owners of the tiny hands making things for others simply because they can.

"They are people with disabilities and they need a lot of stuff," said Jessica Rappaport, 8. "We are just doing something to help."