2 Tons Of Food, Goods Donated To Ukraine By District 99 Students

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Students from Community High School District 99 spent last weekend filling a school bus and three vans full of food, blankets, personal care items and other goods to send to civilians in Ukraine. In total, they plan to send more than two tons of items to the war-torn city of Lviv.

Students sorted, packed and loaded donations, which will be sent to Lviv via collection sites in Naperville and Bradley.

“The people of Ukraine are experiencing a humanitarian crisis and we’re proud of our students for taking the initiative to help,” Karen Spahr-Thomas, Downers Grove North High School Social Studies teacher and Empowerment Club adviser said in a news release.

Spahr-Thomas added, “Thanks to the overwhelming response in donations, we quickly had to shift from six mini vans to one large school bus and a cargo van for the delivery.”

The efforts at Downers North inspired students at Downers Grove South High School to kickstart their own relief efforts.

“As soon as we heard about [Downers Grove North's] efforts to help Ukraine, we jumped at the opportunity,” Laura Rodey, Downers South Social Studies teacher said. “Student volunteers quickly helped us spread the word and then assisted with packing up the donations.”

To further aid the cause in Ukraine, students at Downers Grove North have raised more than $1700 through the sale of wristbands that say "Slava Ukraini" or "Glory to Ukraine." Funds from the wristband sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen, which has been providing hot meals and disaster relief to Ukrainians.