New Trier Student Clubs Donate 20K To Community Members In Need

Press release from the New Trier Township High School District 203:

When New Trier High School transitioned to remote learning last month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Trier Educational Foundation joined efforts with the New Trier Parents Association, the New Trier Fine Arts Association, and New Trier Booster Club to raise funds for those in need in the District 203 community.

"Knowing that many families within and beyond our township borders are struggling financially right now, we have come together to raise funds for our Trevian families and the wonderful people who come in every day to feed our children, bus them and fulfill other vital roles in our community that benefit our students," New Trier Educational Foundation Executive Director Liz Mayer said.

This week, four New Trier student organizations-Girls Club, Tri-Ship, Global Exchange, and Student Council-committed $5,000 each to the initiative, raising the current fundraising total to $24,320. So far, this initiative has been able to help 140 families.

"At their core, these four clubs are all service-based organizations, and so this donation represents yet another way that our students live out our motto-to commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion and lives to the service of humanity," Student Activities Coordinator Stacy Kolack said. "It is important, now more than ever, for us to think of others and provide assistance and support whenever possible. Our student groups do this in many ways throughout the year, both on campus and in the greater community as well."

Funds raised will also support the production of face shields by New Trier Applied Arts staff members, who are using department 3D printers to make face shields for North Shore University HealthSystem amid a national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, for medical workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are fortunate to have the equipment and skill set to create products that will better the lives of others and our community," said Applied Arts Department Chair Jason Boumstein, who has been co-leading the project with fellow department members Paul Perez and Devan Castellano. "Together we believe this is a small part of giving back to individuals who are on the front line doing everything they can to save lives."

"In these unprecedented times, we are working with the District and our community partners to ensure those whose lives are dedicated to New Trier do not worry about food or supplies," Mayer said. Coordinated through the District, the NTEF, NTPA, NTFAA, and Booster Club plan to reach out to other communities with whom New Trier regularly partners to help alleviate some of the financial burden on their families through support of food banks and other entities.

To make a donation, click here or text NTCares (one word) to 41444. Please direct your questions to the Foundation at mayere@nths.net or 847-784-2346.

This press release was produced by the New Trier Township High School District 203. The views expressed here are the author's own.