Following is a sampling of some of the community-minded or philanthropically-focused activities that have recently taken place in D41 schools.

Lincoln “Spectacular” raises fun and funds
An audience of more than 500 enjoyed the recent production of "Fifth Grade Takes On Broadway," a musical by Abraham Lincoln's fifth grade Drama Club. Donations were accepted to benefit the Glen Ellyn Community Resource Center, located at Lincoln school. After 10 weeks of rehearsals, students learned to love the theater and to share their talents to help others. The club raised over $3,000 for the GECRC, which provides after-school and summer programs for eligible children, including those whose families have been resettled in D41 from strife-torn regions of Africa.


Lincoln 5th grade donates to World Vision
In another example of connecting school to the larger world, prior to winter break, Lincoln fifth-grade students collected $1,300 for World Vision, making the donation in their teachers’ names in lieu of holiday teacher gifts. PTA member Andrea Bare noted that the project helped make the point that the holidays are about giving; families were encouraged to find ways to help their children earn money to contribute, for example by doing extra chores. World Vision offers the option of directing funds to various projects, and the Lincoln contribution went toward the following projects: safe water for a school, computer and technology training, school equipment, a share of renovations or construction of a school, and…one goat and two chickens!


Franklin students support cancer research, food pantry
Teacher Casey DePaepe Douglas’ first graders have supported a national charity called “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” for the last three years, raising money for childhood cancer research. This year, Casey’s students have already raised $600 toward their goal of $1,000, donating the money to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Casey’s students will continue to raise funds throughout the year. They have also participated in Operation Home Front, providing teddy bears to the children of servicemen. “Franklin has many children who have a lot, and we want to do some giving back,” said Casey. The school as a whole collected spare change for leukemia research, and is collecting food donations for the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, including a “Soup”erbowl collection in which students place cans of food in the box of the team they are rooting for in the Superbowl.


Hadley students building community
In support of its goal “to build a sense of community within Hadley by reaching out to causes beyond our walls,” the Hadley student council has selected grade-level themes. Sixth grade is supporting environmental efforts, seventh grade is supporting aid to Africa, and eighth grade is supporting cancer research and education. Each grade level has raised funds for its respective cause, and school-wide efforts have raised $4000 for local causes. Students are continuing their focus with upcoming projects on recycling, rice donations to Africa and comfort blanket donations to young cancer patients at Children’s Memorial Hospital. The student council recently held a bake sale to benefit the World Wildlife Foundation.