Elgin school rallies for students who lost their mom

Elgin’s Channing Memorial Elementary School is rallying support for an a family whose mother was killed earlier this month when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

Ana Ordonez, 40, was crossing Summit Street in Elgin about 6:10 p.m. Jan. 22 when the accident happened. Ordonez, a single mother, left behind six children between the ages of 2 and 20. At least two of the children attend Channing, parents at the school say.

Krista Badani, president of the Channing Parent and Teacher Organization, said the school is accepting donations to support the family.

“Right now they need the basic necessities,” Badani said. “We are just trying to do whatever we can right now to help them.”

You can drop off food, cash, gift cards, diapers and other donations to the school, 63 S. Channing Ave. A collection envelope also is available at the district’s administrative offices, Badani said.

In addition, a bank account has been set up for the siblings at Chase Bank. Donations can be made to the Valdemar Vieyra-Ordonez Fund at any Chase Bank location.

“We are trying to reach out to a family in need,” Badani said. “Teachers are spending their own money on diapers and donating basic needs and the PTO has been collecting. The Channing community has come out really big and has been really helpful.”

Badani said the PTO would organize a fundraising event for the family in the coming weeks.