Woodridge School District 68 Students Give Back During Holiday Season

The Student Council at Thomas Jefferson Junior High sponsored a Giving Tree to help local families in need this holiday season.  Seven different families were matched with seven student groups at Jefferson.  Each family listed the names of the children and the items they wanted for Christmas.  The names were provided by the West Suburban Community Pantry.  Each team raised between $200 and $300 for their respective family.  Students really cared about making a difference - kids donated their change and some pulled $5 from their wallets.  Students then wrapped all the gifts purchased with the generous donations.  “I can honestly say it was one of the most worthwhile things Student Council has done in the past few years,” said Student Council sponsor and Jefferson teacher Julie Lenhart.  In addition to the Student Council, three academic teams, the boys basketball teams and Student Services team were also involved.

Holiday cheer was also spread to the senior citizens at three different area nursing homes, including Oak Trace Retirement Center in Downers Grove.  The 5th & 6th grade chorus from William F. Murphy Elementary School, led by music teacher Dianne Sabovik, traveled around the community spreading cheer with a variety of holiday tunes.  At the end of the performance, students mingled with the audience and talked about the holidays, school, and a wide variety of other topics.  “It was a truly rewarding experience for all,” said Sabovik.