A group of students works to fill their class change jar during passing periods.
For the third year in a row, OLHMS student Brenden Sheedy has organized a donation drive hoping to raise money for those less fortunate locally.
“Right from the start, we knew we wanted to help people throughout our own community. During the holiday season, we are reminded of what the true meaning of giving and helping one another is all about. Knowing our staff and students were able to contribute, and immediately help people in need, is beyond heart-warming,” said Kate Ryan, A Global Studies teacher who helped Brenden’s vision become reality.
This year, Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students were able to raise a collective $1,137 for Almost Home, an organization that helps the homeless, needy, food insecure. The organization has already used some of the funds to help a local father whose wife tragically passed recently.
The annual fundraiser also is a fun way for the 6th, 7th and 8th-grade classes to compete against each other for the cause. This year, the 8th graders were victorious, winning a pajama day at school.
Even though Sheedy’s time at the middle school will end this year he has built quite the legacy. Kate Ryan plans to continue the annual fundraiser to inspire students to keep helping their community.
“It’s a team effort, the Student Ambassadors push the carts with the buckets, and they help organize the change. Local bank MB Financial allows us to use the coin machine to count the change. The staff and students donate their change. It’s fun and for such a great cause,” said Ryan.
Sheedy plans to attend St. Rita next year for his first year of high school.