Highland Middle School Selects The Sports Shed as Fundraising Project

Highland Middle School students selected The Sports Shed, which collects sports equipment to distribute in under-resourced areas - including Libertyville, as the schoolwide, yearlong charity for the 2016-17 school year.

"The Sports Shed makes it possible for all children in under-resourced and at-risk situations to participate in organized sports," according to Highland Middle School eighth-grade Language Arts teacher and HMS Charity Committee member Kristen Palic. The thinking is that if children are busy with organized sports, there won't be any time for gangs or violence. The group also assists programs with limited funding, such as Lambs Farm in Libertyville.

"Their mission is to place quality sports gear into the hands of children in the Chicago area who need a chance at experiencing the life-long benefits of sports and physical fitness," Palic added. "The Sports Shed sources valuable sports gear and then distributes it on a needs basis to under-resourced schools and athletic programs. "

Every year, Highland staff recommends six charities to be considered for the yearlong, schoolwide fundraising project, Palic said. This year, student service secretary Katie Murphy suggested The Sports Shed. Students then voted on the nominations, selecting The Sports Shed.

A charity committee comprised of student council representatives, teachers, and school administrators meet monthly to plan fundraising events, coordinate with The Sports Shed, and discuss how to best raise student awareness and involvement.

Fundraising already is underway with proceeds from this year's student versus staff volleyball tournament, the eighth grade dance, the student talent show, and a school movie night going towards a fundraising goal of $10,000. Last year, the school raised more than $9,000 for the locally based Feed My Starving Children. The school also has raised money for Orphans of the Storm, Camp I Am Me, and have built a piggery for a school in Africa with the COVE.

Recently, a fundraiser at Culver's restaurant brought in more than $500 for The Sports Shed.

Palic said The Sports Shed helps school districts or programs that cannot afford equipment to keep their sports programs running. They also provide equipment for non-profit groups and youth groups. The Sports Shed serves programs throughout the Chicago area, she noted, including schools and programs in "North Chicago, Waukegan, Barrington, Elgin, Zion, and even Lambs Farm, here in Libertyville."

Look for other school fundraisers to help The Sports Shed in the upcoming Valentine candy-grams and an all-school dance.