Libertyville District 70 Collecting Money for People Affected by Tornado, Typhoon

Libertyville Elementary District 70 is holding a fundraiser, “Sheltering From the Storm,” to help downstate Illinois residents hurt by a recent tornado, as well as Filipinos left devastated by a recent typhoon.

Coin collection buckets are set up throughout the schools, as well as in the district’s administration office, until Dec. 13.

Monies raised from the districtwide fundraiser will go to the American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter to help those struggling after a tornado touched down in Washington, IL, and killed six people on Nov. 17—a day the weather service said 24 tornadoes hit Illinois.

The other half of the funds raised will go toward purchasing Shelter Boxes for Filipinos devastated when typhoon Haiyan struck earlier in November. Shelter Box USA would then provide Shelter Boxes consisting of a 10-person tent, mosquito netting, mats, bedding, water purification systems, a stove and cooking utensils to the Philippines.

The fundraiser was begun by the school district’s character building program committee, Character Counts.

“District 70 families have big hearts as they always find ways to help others during hard times, “ said Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher. “The Character Counts lessons taught in the classrooms are clearly linked in the homes. To bridge the desire to help, especially during this season of giving, is a genuine message of kindness and compassion."

Character Counts member and Rockland teacher Dale List said, “as a district we pride ourselves on our ability to uphold the pillars of Character Counts! and show support to those in need.  We hope that you can support this fundraiser and help to the Filipinos whose lives have been altered forever and now for many of our own Illinois families.”

A donation box has been set up at each school, List said. These donations can be coins, dollar bills or checks (made out to Libertyville School District 70, with Sheltering From the Storm in the Memo).

But some District 70 families are taking it upon themselves to raise money in unique ways outside of school.

Several Butterfield families held a “Phil-A-Cup” fundraiser Dec. 6 in Libertyville.

The families invited people to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, along with baked goods, for a couple dollars each. 

“All proceeds will support the D70 effort of “Sheltering From the Storm,” said Carolyn Parker, the mom of one of the families involved.

—Submitted by Libertyville District 70.