Community Service Project Brings School Together In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — The students at Greenbriar Elementary School recently learned about the importance of giving back. The school's inaugural weeklong, school-wide community service project benefited the Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn and Camp One Step in Chicago.

According to Northbrook District 28, every class in the school spent between 30 and 60 minutes working on age-appropriate projects throughout the week. The effort, conducted in the auditorium, resulted in 1,300 meal kits for Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn and more than 1,5000 bracelet craft kits and handmade joke cards for Camp One Step in Chicago. The latter supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.

The event was organized by the Greenbriar PTO Family Service Committee specifically Urmi Graft, Copenhaver and Jocelyn Reynolds. The district said families contributed by purchasing the food supplies through an Amazon Wishlist, and about 40 parent volunteers helped with the student workshops, In addition, volunteers will help deliver the assembled kits to the charities, which they estimate to be around 20 carloads.

Students in third, fourth and fifth grade scooped beads into little bags and added clasps for ready-to-craft bracelets, while others made joke cards to bring a smile to kids who have cancer.

Meanwhile, the kindergarten and first-grade students made their way down a long table stacked with supplies for grab-and-go meal kits, taking one of each, sealing the bag and dropping them in a collection box. The meal kits are for family members who stay at the Ronald McDonald House, while their children are being treated at the children’s hospital across the street.

"It was a great opportunity to bring our whole school community together in service of those in need," Greenbriar Principal Ginny Hiltz said. "I hope it ignited students' interest in pursuing additional service opportunities in our community. We truly appreciate the PTO's efforts to organize Greenbriar Gives."