Prospect School students recently concluded a collection that resulted in over $1300 in donations and goods for the People’s Resource Center, which serves families in DuPage County through job assistance, clothing, food, housing and skill training.
This was the first year Prospect School offered a service-based after-school enrichment opportunity for students. School staff and parent volunteers have coordinated dozens of service projects in the past, but never before as part of a group that students join like they would an art club or computer club. The new service club visited the People’s Resource Center Westmont location earlier this year. Students left eager to assist the organization and immediately got to work. A group of three kindergartners applied for and received a KIDS (Kids Initiating a Difference in Society) grant from the District 181 Foundation, which they used to purchase toiletries. Their classmates joined in the effort and began a collection for even more toiletries that could be given to families in need. Third grade students also received a D181 Foundation KIDS Grant, which they used to purchase art kits for the People’s Resource Center. Additionally, students held a “wacky hair day” and loose change collection, which alone raised more than $550. Parent volunteers used those funds and contributions from Prospect families to purchase games and stuffed animals, which the People’s Resource Center will use for children’s birthday gifts.
When asked why they wanted to get involved in service activities, students said that it “feels good to help” and that they want to “make other people happy” and “help other kids have special birthdays.” Fourth grader Michael Crannell said, “It really doesn’t take a lot to do good for other people and it shows respect for the community.” The collection leaders also noticed that the People’s Resource Center in particular provides a great number of services beyond food and clothing donations. “They help people make a better life,” Crannell shared.
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People’s Resource Center volunteer and supervisor Hank Anzelone said he is always impressed when students get involved. “Our youth are so important. Their volunteerism is a great experience and it helps adults remember to get involved, too. It is amazing the way caring communities come forward to help each other.”
Prospect School Principal Anne Kryger commended the students for their exceptional community outreach and extended her thanks to the parents who helped to make the collections possible, including Aaron and Sarah Gin, Gail Crannell, Gurpreet and Amrit Singh, and Lana Ferren. Amrit Singh said they hope to continue the service club in the next school year and will look for another local non-profit organization to support. “I am inspired by these students. I hope through these students’ hard work and enthusiasm even more students will join us next year.”
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Pictured: Prospect School students Aidan Walsh, Michael Crannell, Ajay Singh, Keona Schaller, Kurt Salvatore, Arnima Agrawal, Luke Salvatore, Maya Gin, and Arjun Singh are pictured with People’s Resource Center volunteer and supervisor Hank Anzelone. Prospect School students recently concluded a collection that resulted in over $1300 in donations and goods for the People’s Resource Center, which serves families throughout DuPage County through job assistance, clothing, food, housing and skill training.
