Palos 118 Schools Host Collection for Ukraine Relief

Palos 118 students recently held a collection to help with humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

All three District 118 schools collected monetary donations and items that were donated to Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Palos Park to support their humanitarian outreach.

Palos East Principal Rob Szklanecki said that the schools collected over thirty boxes of items including medical supplies, bandages, socks, backpacks, thermal underwear, and many other supplies for Ukraine.

“It was very touching to hear how many students donated some of their own allowance to purchase items or make a monetary donation,” he said adding his thanks to the student council for helping to organize the fundraiser and the donated items.

In addition to supply donations, the schools collected just over $8,930 in monetary relief funds.

Palos West Principal Jennifer Peloquin cited the generosity of Palos 118 families for the successful donation drive.

“We cannot thank our families enough for the generous donations to support Ukraine,” she said, also thanking the student wellness and student council members for helping to sort donated items.

Palos South Principal Stu Wrzesinski said Student Council members brought the idea to the school and families showed their support by donating an abundance of items over a two-week period.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts from the student body to organize and collect items for those in need,” he said citing it as a “true testament to their character.”

In a thank you letter to the schools, Reverend Vasyl Sendeha of Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church said that the schools’ donations would be used to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland and to provide other necessary supplies for the Ukrainian people.