JCHS Key Club & JWHS Students of Service Receive Service Awards

The Joliet Central High School Key Club and Joliet West High School Students of Service were awarded Heroic Service Awards by Will County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at the “Real Heroes Don’t Wear Capes” Event on October 9.

Over the years, these student clubs have made and donated hundreds of fleece blankets and teddy bears that are given to the children served by the center. The Will County CAC provides hope, healing and justice for children (and non-offending family members) who have endured physical and sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, child pornography, neglect, and exposure to violence.

The Student of Service Sponsors are Dr. Cheryl McCarthy and Trina Diaz. The Key Club Sponsor is Karla Manzo. Retired Key Club Sponsor, Dr. Linda Bowers, began the partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Ms. Manzo proudly carries on the partnership and giving to CAC.

“About six years ago, our Joliet Central Key Club wanted to do something for the community that was meaningful,” said Bowers. “Our school district celebrated the Martin Luther King holiday with a day off of school, but the district wanted to use this day to encourage community service projects by creating a Day On—when all district partners met to give to our community. It was on this day that Key Club gathered together to make blankets as a comfort for children in need. During the event, we partnered with Cheryl McCarthy and Joliet West SOS Club who made teddy bears for their project. This partnership became our yearly community service project. Additionally, Key Club raised $1000 as a donation to the center. It was and is so meaningful for the

Key Club students to know that they helped comfort a child through their dedication to community service. Our motto is: Kids Helping Kids: One Child at a Time. We are honored to receive this award. I am happy that Key Club’s new sponsor, Karla Manzo, is keeping this vision alive and moving it forward through her inspiration and caring.”
Key Club Student President Gabby Nunez said, “When we first looked at community service opportunities around our community we wanted to focus on the children. The Children’s Advocacy Center was a right choice to focus our priorities on. Helping a child who is coming from a difficult situation is always uneasy, a blanket can only do so much but comfort in the time of need. The students take time out of their day to make these blanket… blankets that are a symbol of security and hope. This award symbolizes compassion and integrity. Our Key Club is honored to receive it with such dedication to the children of our community. Not only does this award go to the students but also the faculty and staff that helped us put our ideas together. Key Club is not a club nor an organization, it’s a family. A family who cares for the community.”

On behalf of the Students of Service, Sponsor Cheryl McCarty said, “When we donated blankets for the first time Lisa Las and Jim Glasgow took the time to explain to the students what happens at the The Children’s Advocacy Center. The students were and continue to be so moved about the work of the center. To do something for the children is always at the top of their list. The real heroes are the staff at CAC. We are extremely grateful to have these services for the children in this area. We wish that the center was fully funded by municipalities.”

JTHS Superintendent Dr. Mike Hanson said, “I am so proud of these student organizations who have given selflessly of their time, treasures and talents. I am grateful that an organization such as the Children’s Advocacy Center exists in our community. The services provided by their dedicated staff gives children hope and the skills to persevere when they have been faced with unimaginable and horrific situations that no child should have to endure.”