The District 64 Holiday Food Basket Drive was a success! In partnership with Kiwanis, we helped raise $21,750 to support local families who struggle with food insecurity. 145 families will get a $150 gift card to Mariano's. We'd also like to express our appreciation to Mariano's for making a sizeable donation to help us reach our goal.
D64 Superintendent Dr. Eric Olson, CSBO Dr. Adam Parisi, and BOE Member Gareth Kennedy joined the Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge and other community members in wrapping up the gift cards.
"I would like to say thank you to the Park Ridge and Niles community for raising enough money for Kiwanis. The gift cards will help them at this time of year to have a great Christmas and a great holiday," said Kennedy. "So thank you very much, and happy holidays everyone."
"People afterward, come up and say something...'You know, that really made our holiday special, and that's what it's all about," said Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski. "It's all about giving and giving back to the people. So yeah, it's a great feeling."
"We do this because the traditions of the holidays are so important in a child's life," Kris Cichowski, Kiwanis of Park Ridge President. "And we know when families are struggling, you know, it makes it a little tough to keep it merry and bright."
"To be in a community that cares this much about families in the community and the children is outstanding," said Cichowski. "Every year Park Ridge rallies to support their families in need, and we're all one big family here in this community. "Our motto with Kiwanis is to build a strong community one child at a time, and it's a perfect example of this."
Here's a video from the gift wrapping of the cards!
Click here to view the photo gallery