Volunteers collecting gifts for Wauconda-area families

A small group of volunteers will give Christmas presents to needy Wauconda School District 118 students and their families in what's become an annual tradition.

Calling themselves the Wishes Committee, the seven women are buying gifts for 45 local families this season, volunteer Lyn LaCrosse said. They expect to deliver more than 600 wrapped presents next week.

"Our goal is to purchase a coat, boots, shirt, pants and (another) present for each child," LaCrosse said.

When it comes to gifts for themselves, the children's parents often request cleaning supplies and cold-weather items such as gloves, scarves and boots, LaCrosse said.

The group gets gift cards for families who don't make specific requests.

"This is one of the most rewarding projects I have been involved with," LaCrosse said. "I hosted the event last year, and it was great for my daughter, who was 8 at the time, to see the basic items that the kids we help are asking for at Christmastime."

The program launched eight years ago. The group gets its wish lists from District 118 administrators.

Each season, the members hang the gift requests on a tree during a private luncheon. Once the members pick their wishes, they have a week to shop, LaCrosse said.

The presents are then dropped off at the schools or delivered to the families.

Last year, the group bought more than 400 presents.

"The event has grown in size and wishes granted each year," LaCrosse said.

Local groups and businesses including the Lions Club, Middleton's on Main and Bliss Wine & Gifts have chipped in, too.

"All tips at Bliss go to charity, and Wishes is the current charity," Bliss owner Maria Weisbruch said. "We also have decorated a tree at Middleton's and encourage our customers to bring unwrapped presents to load up the tree."

School board President John Armstrong praised the effort. He especially likes that it brings the community together.

"I think 'amazing' is just the word for it," he said. "Everybody is happy to have a way to help people here in the school district."

To learn more or to participate, email volunteer Carey McHugh at mchuge1@att.net.