Social Worker At Rich Central Helps Pay Student's Water Bill

OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL — A school social worker in Olympia Fields went above and beyond in making sure one of her students had what they needed at home. Markesha Williams raised more than $400 for a student at Rich Central High School who had their water shut off at home due to a bill that rose above that amount.

“I believe in the saying that ‘it takes a village’ to help our students,” Williams said. “There are options that we have within our school to help the student during the school day, but my other concerns were the student’s two younger siblings, who are three and nine years old.”

The family's caregiver is currently suffering from medical issues and is not able to work at this time, so the action led by Williams came at exactly the time it was needed.

Williams raised more than $370 from staff members at Rich Central and covered the remaining $40 to pay off the balance of the bill herself.

It's "another great example of the sense of community we enjoy here in Rich Township," according to a news release from Rich Township School District 227.

"The spirit of giving truly lasts all year long."