Eighth-grader organizes clothing drive for Harbor House

By: Ann Delabre, community outreach coordinator

At the age of 13, Casey Wassmund, an eighth-grader at Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center, is helping to counter the “gimme” impulse frequently associated with kids. He organized a two-week-long clothing drive beginning April 16 to benefit Harbor House-Kankakee County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“I knew we had a lot of stuff at home to donate, and I told my mom that maybe we could give it to someone,” he said.

He’s generally a very quiet student, said Principal Jeff Gindy. So last month when he walked into the office and suggested a clothing drive for an organization in need in the community, Gindy welcomed the eighth-grader’s motivation to exercise some charitable muscle. He just didn’t know which organization to designate.

Wassmund, a gentle spirit with a winning smile, took a big step. It’s not easy for a typically shy junior high school boy to take the lead on a project that’s bound to attract attention from fellow students and possibly gain publicity. But Gindy made a point to applaud the teen’s selfless act and suggested Harbor House as the recipient.

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The shelter at Harbor House is a place of safety for women and children fleeing a situation of domestic violence in Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

Speaking about her son, Kristina Finnegan said, “he has a “good heart.” His father, Paul Finnegan, said the family has made charitable donations a habit.

“We’ve donated for years to the Salvation Army and others,” added Kristina, “but it was (Casey’s) idea to go through the closets for this one.”

Wassmund said he liked the idea of organizing a clothing drive for Harbor House because he knows there are kids staying there. Without fanfare, without applause, this eighth-grader made himself vulnerable; he put himself in their shoes.

“I want them to know that people care about them.”

And the students at Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center chimed right in. With four days left to the drive, the main entranceway is already chockfull of bulging plastic bags, boxes of never worn T-shirts, a pizza maker and more.

“Considering the many negative stories we hear in the news,” said Harbor House Executive Director Rosa Hernandez-Warner, “it’s wonderful to see a group of youngsters participating in a philanthropic activity, and we’re especially proud of Casey.”

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