Holiday Donations Sought for Woodland Families in Need
Gurnee--Woodland Schools will host a holiday food drive through December 11 to help children in our schools and their families.
Business partners assisting with fundraising efforts this year include Boston Chicken, Chipolte, Penn Station, MOD Pizza, Target, Prairie Orthodontics, and Evereve Clothing Store.
"Thirty-five percent, or more than 2,000 children in Woodland schools are living in low-income or impoverished situations. The annual drive is a staff-driven tradition of providing additional support to Woodland families during the holiday season," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joy A. Swoboda. "We certainly appreciate the support of our local business partners as we work collaboratively to support children and the families in need within our Woodland community."
Another highlight of the food drive is the Shop with an Educator night at Target in Gurnee. Woodland Elementary East and West children are invited to stop by Target with a family member and shop for food items to donate to less fortunate Woodland families. Elementary West students shopped with an educator from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Elementary East students are invited to shop with an educator from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5. We are trying to fill a school bus with food purchases.
The school district is also collecting new hats and mittens and new or gently used books. Parents may send their donations to school with their child or drop donations off at the Woodland Educational Support Center, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, (847) 596-5600.
To ensure a variety of items are donated to our families in need, here are some suggestions:
Primary School: Canned Meals/Meat: spaghetti and meatballs, SpaghettiO®s, baked beans, chili, ravioli, tuna fish, chicken, Manwich®
Paper Products: napkins, facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, Handi-wipes®
Elementary: Canned Soup/Stew Boxed Food: Hamburger Helper®, Pasta Roni®/noodles, potatoes, stuffing, rice, macaroni and cheese
Personal Care: Shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste toothbrushes, lotion, chapstick
Intermediate: Canned Vegetables Pasta Sauce/Noodles
Snacks: crackers, pudding, fruit snacks, Animal Crackers®, Goldfish®, pretzels, fruit cup
Middle School: Canned fruit, breakfast foods: cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, granola bars, Nutri-grain®bars, cereal bars, Special K® bars
Cleaning Supplies: window cleaner, multi-purpose cleaners (409®, Mr. Clean®, Fantastic®), dish soap, laundry detergent
Educational Support Center/Transportation: Condiments/Etc: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter, cooking spray, salt/pepper dispensers
"Our families greatly appreciate any donation. Thank you in advance to those who find it in their hearts to make donations that go directly to our needy community members," said Dr. Swoboda.
If you have any questions, or know of a needy district family who may benefit from receiving a holiday food basket, please contact Lori Casey, Associate Superintendent of Education at lcasey@dist50.net.