Glenbard West stocks Sarah's Closet with winter wear for teens
In the fall of 2003, Sarah Hoisington, an English Language Learner teacher, noticed something unsettling about her students at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn.
As the days grew chillier, some of her students from refugee countries seemed unprepared for Midwest-style weather. She became painfully aware of students who were still wearing sandals, thin and short-sleeved clothing, and who lacked coats or jackets when coming to school.
From that observation was born a clothing drive known as Sarah's Closet, now an annual tradition at Glenbard West. Donations are sought of new or gently-used winter clothing for teens. In addition, this year Sarah's Closet will collect clothing of all sizes in order to help outfit entire families. Collections dates are Oct. 20 through Nov. 17 at the high school, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
Sarah's Closet will be open to students in need on Nov. 24 and 25, with a special shopping night for families from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24.
The success of that first clothing drive and the continuing interest in supporting it year after year is remarkable.
"We knew we had to do something," Hoisington said."We had to make sure the students were adequately clothed. The response was overwhelming. That first year we had so many donations we had to move the desks around to store the clothing in the classroom."
Since then, she has had regular inquiries from teachers, students and the general public who wish to donate each fall. "They'll say, 'I have some really nice things this year, can I bring them in?'" Hoisington said.
Once collected, the donations are sorted by volunteers from Glenbard West clubs, including Operation One World, the International Club, the Spanish Club and the National Honor Society. After the shopping days are over, certain items are kept at the school, such as boots and shoes. The remaining clothing never goes to waste and is donated to St. Vincent De Paul.
Hoisington said that after Sept. 11, 2001, the makeup of the students of the English Language Learners programs changed. Before that, most of the students were from families that emigrated to this country to pursue better education and better jobs. These families had made the choice to come to America. But post-9/11, and with more stringent immigration rules, often only the neediest families and those from war-torn parts of the world or those experiencing political turmoil were allowed entry.
The English Language Learner Program is geared to assist the new students in every aspect of adjusting to their new environment. Some of the students in the program this year are from Myanmar, Cuba, Eritrea, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Mexico, Palestine, Philippines, Russia, Somalia, Sudan and Vietnam. In some cases, their education may have been disrupted by war, or they may have lived in a refugee camp and their access to education may have been sporadic. The ELL program helps them to assimilate by teaching the basics in addition to language - how to open a locker, get schoolbooks, navigate the lunch line or complete paperwork.
Sarah's Closet helps students to assimilate in the way they are dressed, and the end result can be a source of pride.
"They'll ask, 'Do you like my new sweater?'" said Hoisington, who is still a part-time teacher for the ELL program at Glenbard West, but is now a district coordinator for the English Language Learners program for all of District 87. "Having cool teenage clothing helps them to fit in to the American high school population."
Donations of new or gently used winter clothing can be dropped off at the main office of Glenbard West High School.
For details, call Hoisington at (630) 469-8600, ext. 2421.
Pumpkin Sale at St. Mark's: The front lawn of St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, is transformed into a sea of orange for the 2nd annual Pumpkin Patch. Proceeds will benefit Native American farmers in New Mexico and DuPage Public Action to Deliver Shelter in Wheaton. Last year, the church was able to raise $5,000 to donate to the local shelter, in addition to ample financial support for the growers.
"We were blessed with good weather," said Joe Campagna, coordinator of the pumpkin sale. "And we've got a great location."
The all-volunteer effort will continue from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 31.
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