Wilmette Students Raise Funds For Ukraine With 'Read For Refugees'

WILMETTE, IL — All six schools in Wilmette School District 39 participated in a fundraising project last month to raise money to support people displaced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The "Read for Refugees" effort was spearheaded by student councils and other student-led groups, according to district officials. The fundraising campaign has so far raised $6,493 for the American Red Cross.

As of Sunday, nearly 5.9 million people have fled Ukraine in the two and a half months since the beginning of the Russian invasion, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

During the week of April 19, District 39 students read books and took part in other educational activities connected to support for refugees.

Students drew up posters to advertise the event and took part in various classroom activities, all of which were developmentally appropriate, according to district representatives.

As part of the initiative, families were encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross through a district fundraising page. According to district officials, donations go directly to help the Red Cross' efforts in Ukraine.