Liquor Stores in Libertyville That Have Funny Christmas Labels
Tag: Volunteer
Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" He lived his life by that statement, and so to celebrate and honor his memory and legacy, every year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Americans across the country use their day off to perform acts of service to better their community.
On January 15, the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on the Lake Forest College campus was filled with students, faculty, staff and families waiting to take part in the campus' annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: One Better World. The program started with songs sung by The Voices of Innerpeace followed by opening remarks from the President of Lake Forest College, Stephen Schutt. He led the audience to think about the impact and movement Martin Luther King Jr. would have today. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, full-time volunteer that serves for a year with an organization fighting poverty in exchange for a modest living stipend and an education stipend, my volunteer experiences serve to partake in eliminating poverty and creating access to opportunities.
Keynote speaker, Vernon A. Wall, opened his speech with his favorite quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". His captivating speech took us through a journey of connecting the head to the heart. During this journey there were five points for the audience to consider, but there was one point that particularly stood out to me: to 'be about "true service"'. This point is something important to me because this is my second year of AmeriCorps service and it made me reflect on how my work impacts not only my personal growth, but also the communities I work in. Doing "true service" is not just about going into a community, getting the job done, and then leaving; it is about getting to know the community you are involved in, engaging with people in the community and listening to their needs. However, at the same time, doing "true service" does not have to be one day. Every day there are opportunities to get involved. Vernon spoke about how "moments make movements" and everyone has a story. It is up to us to listen to each other's stories and find your voice in the conversation. Dr. King asks us to be better people in the world. We have to think about our personal stories and why equity and inclusion are so important to us. Finally, Vernon emphasized to 'Do Work' because if we don't get out there and do it, then who will.
After his powerful speech, five students from the university spoke about the Unity Candle Ceremony. The Unity Candle holder is a wooden plank with 12 white candles that represent community, amazing cultural diversity and its representation to humanity, allowing our spirits to be renewed. The students reminded us that if we don't let the candle in our hearts go out, hope will never die. Overall, this was an inspiring celebration.
If you missed an opportunity to get involved, there are other ways you can do so. If you would like to volunteer with United Way of Lake County, here is a link to learn more about our on-going or one-time opportunities. Another resource is Find Help Lake County for different opportunities all around Lake County, IL. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA there is more information here.
Holiday Donations
'Tis the season of giving!
Take a look at all of the donations that we have already received this holiday season. Thank you to all the companies, organizations and individuals who brought smiles to the Lake County community through the spirit of giving.
An anonymous, generous donor delivered over 200 brand new toys.
An individual donated gently used Legos for the PBIS Store at Carman-Buckner Elementary in Waukegan.
A couple donated gently used toys for the siblings of our Baby Talk Home Visiting program at the Welcome Center.
BD donated gently used coats and new hats, gloves and scarves to Carman-Buckner Elementary.
BMO Harris employees from the call center helped fulfill holiday wishes for North Elementary School.
Fuji gathered school supplies and winter clothing for Washington Elementary.
ITW-Construction volunteered at Catholic Charities' Christmas Gift Program.
Nike donated clothing and shoes for our partner schools and Catholic Charities as well as collecting another set of clothing and shoes to be donated to YMOV at Abbott Middle School.
Nypro Mold collected winter items such as hats, scarves and gloves for Carman-Buckner Elementary.
Pfizer Inc. employees collected toys for Catholic Charities' Christmas Gift Program
and hats, mittens, and scarves for the students at Washington Elementary in Waukegan.
Randstad had a team volunteer at COOL Food Pantry.
United Way of Lake County's staff and board members donated gifts and uniforms to Oakdale Elementary in Waukegan. They also donated hats and gloves to the kids at Ellis School in Round Lake Beach!
There are several ways your company or organization can get involved to make lasting change in Lake County. Visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/partner to learn more.
AmeriCorps VISTA: Katherine Velazquez
We are thrilled to welcome Katherine Velazquez to our United Way of Lake County team. Katherine will be joining us as our AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member working on our Success By 6 team. Join us in welcoming Katherine!
- What is your name? Katherine Velazquez
- Where did you go to school? I went to Central Connecticut State University
- What was your major? I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelors in Sociology
- Where are you from? Southington, Connecticut
- What's your favorite restaurant/food? Chipotle is one of my favorite restaurants and my favorite food is a tie between Mexican cuisine and Japanese cuisine
- What is something interesting that no one knows about you? I have a HUGE fear of ketchup
- If you had to sing one karaoke song for the rest of your life, what would it be? That's such a hard question but I would have to say Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
- What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so? Lilo and Stitch. Hands down, this movie is so much about family with no love story. "Lilo" actually translates to "lost" so it is "Stitch's" job to "stitch" them back together. I can watch that movie a million times.
If you'd like to learn more about our past AmeriCorps VISTA, click here.
Summer 2017: Donation Drives
Throughout the summer, companies and local organizations around Lake County hosted donation drives collecting items such as, school supplies, furniture, clothing and much more. United Way of Lake County was able to find a home for these donated items with local schools and community organizations to help children and families in need of these items. #VolunteersInAction
Pfizer
Pfizer held a professional clothing drive and donated the pieces to College of Lake County. Donated clothing will be given to students that attend workshops in which they will learn how to be a professional in the workforce as well as how to conduct themselves in interviews.
AbbVie
AbbVie's Rova – T group stuffed animals and donated them to our Success by 6 Program's Kindergarten Countdown Camp.
Medline Industries, Inc.
Medline Industries, Inc. donated school supplies to the Lake County School District.
Nike
The Nike Factory Store at Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall donated twice during the summer with various items that will be distributed to students in need across the county.
Rising Sun
Rising Sun's Masonic Lodge donated 331 pounds of food and raised $134 for the Lord of Glory food pantry.
Guaranteed Rate
Guaranteed Rate donated school supplies to the Back-to-School Festival in Waukegan at Miguel Juarez Middle School.
Sysmex America
An effort to get children school supplies at Greenbay Elementary School in North Chicago, Sysmex America had their school supply drive in early August. Just in time for back-to-school season!
Marytown – The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe
From bookshelves to canopy tents, Marytown Shrine in Libertyville donated supplies to United Way of Lake County's Better Together program at Greenbay Elementary School in North Chicago and other local organizations in Lake County! A shout out to MP Services for providing a truck for transportation..
Menards
Menards, located in Fox Lake, donated boxes full of school supplies to Little Fort Elementary School.
Aptar Group Inc.
Aptar Group Inc. donated school supplies to John Clark Elementary School in Waukegan. A motivated and fun group of employees took time out of their day to drive to Clark Elementary to drop off school supplies. While they were there, the students excitedly shared their academic goals with them.
MEDLINE and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Assistant Principals, Ms. Sheri Rosen & Ms. Holly Kaprosy graciously accepted school supplies that were donated by MEDLINE & Catholic Charities. They were thrilled to see a variety of backpacks and school supplies that the students at West Elementary School in Zion will be able to use immediately.
Protective Asset Protection
Protective Asset Protection located in Bannockburn, Illinois for donating school supplies to Carman-Buckner Elementary School in Waukegan!
United Way Days Recap: August – September 2017
Summer is coming to an end, but that hasn't stopped the following companies from volunteering their time revitalizing school grounds, supporting local organizations and making the community a cleaner environment. We would like to thank and recognize these companies for encouraging their employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County on our United Way Days recap blog! #VolunteersInAction
O.C. Tanner
On August 14, a group of employees from O.C. Tanner and their families spent the day creating an Early Learning Trail for students at West Elementary School in Zion.
Baxter International – Finance Volunteer Week
To start off Baxter's volunteer week on August 14, a group of employees went to the Native Seed Nursery at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve to collect native seeds and assist with weeding seed beds. The seeds that the group collected will be used to restore preserves across Lake County.
A group of Baxter employees spent the afternoon at Captain James A. Lovell Jr. Federal Health Care Center – VA in North Chicago. There the volunteers helped organize games such as Bingo for nursing home veterans on August 14.
On August 15, a group of Baxter employees spent the morning with NorthPointe Resources to help add beauty to a group home where people with disabilities live. Volunteers helped with the general yard work clean-up such as weeding, trimming, and spreading mulch.
Early afternoon on August 15, a group of Baxter employees volunteered to help the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Park City with sorting, labeling and packing items such as frozen meat, oatmeal, produce and more!
A group of Baxter employees went to the south unit of the State Beach Park to assist with a beach cleanup on August 16.
On August 17, another group of Baxter employees volunteered at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Park City. The efforts that the volunteers do will help NIFB to be able to distribute the product to their network partners.
To end Baxter's volunteer week, a group of employees went to A Safe Place, an emergency shelter, on August 18. Volunteers helped clean and throw out unused items, and also created a more welcoming environment to serve their clients.
United Way of Lake County
On August 21, a group of United Way of Lake County employees put on their LIVE UNITED t-shirts and served as volunteers at the welcome back picnic for the Waukegan Public School District teachers and staff that was held at the Waukegan High School – Washington Campus. They were also joined by volunteers from the Navy and the community.
United Way of Lake County employees served as bilingual volunteers for Catholic Charities' Christmas Gift Program. The volunteers helped with the intake process and translated the Christmas wishes for the families. The program provides gifts to needy families, children and seniors throughout Lake County by matching the needs of the disadvantaged with individual donors, churches, corporate donors, schools and other donor groups.
Hollister Incorporated
A group of Hollister employees spent their afternoon at Captain James A. Lovell Jr. Federal Health Care Center – VA to help organize Bingo for nursing home veterans on August 24.
ITW – Buehler
On September 14, ITW-Buehler employees volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Park City to help organize packaged goods to be sent out to the organization's network partners.
Meet the Interns: Abygail Perez
This autumn we are excited to welcome Abygail Perez, our newest intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. Our interns have participated in putting on programs like Success by 6, Reading Success and Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Join us in welcoming Aby!
- What is your name? Abygail Perez (Aby for short)
- Where do you go to school? Northeastern Illinois University
- What is your major/what year in school are you? Senior, Social Work
- Where are you from? Born and raised in the city of Chicago, IL
- What's your favorite restaurant/food? Tacos, Sandwiches, Pizza
- What is something interesting that no one knows about you? I think at times I am slightly psychic, like I can picture things before they happen.
- If you had to sing one karaoke song for the rest of your life, what would it be? "Como la Flor" – Selena
- What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so? White Chicks, because the Wayne brothers are hilarious!
United Way Days Recap: July 2017
This summer, companies have been busy volunteering their time revitalizing school grounds, reading to preschoolers and assembling literacy kits for children in the community. We would like to thank and recognize the following companies for encouraging their employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County! #VolunteersInAction
Baxter International
Kindergarten Countdown Camp had pleasant surprise when Baxter interns came by on June 29 to be the children's Reading Buddies for the day at Lyon Magnet Elementary School in Waukegan.
Abbott
On July 14, a group of employees from Abbott spent their day repainting an Early Learning Trail for the students of Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan.
ITW Construction
Employees from ITW spent the day at Lyon Magnet Elementary School in Waukegan to revamp the school's Early Learning Trail and painted their Peace Room on August 1.
Women's Leadership Council of United Way of Lake County
On August 4, a group of members from our Women's Leadership Council went to Elmwood Elementary in Zion to spend the day to revamp their Early Learning Trail.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Edna Galvan
We are thrilled to share the last post in our Waukegan Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series. Here to wrap things is our Success By 6 Program Manager, Edna Galvan, sharing her reflection of camp this summer at Lyon Elementary School.
What is your role at Camp?
Whenever I had the opportunity to visit camp, I would help the teachers in the classrooms with anything that they needed.
So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
For me, the most memorable part about Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been getting to know the students who are attending. Each student is unique and they all have fun personalities. At the beginning of camp, there are some students who are timid or emotional because they miss their parents and it is great to see them break out of their shell as they start to get comfortable. In the short period of time that we host Kindergarten Countdown Camp, we become attached to the students that it is always sad to say goodbye at the end of the summer.
Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?
All four of our teachers for our Kindergarten Countdown Camp in Waukegan have been phenomenal. They have worked so hard all throughout camp to ensure that their students gain knowledge and confidence so that they will be better prepared for kindergarten this fall. We are so thankful for all of their hard work and dedication this summer.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?
It is very clear to me that Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been making an impact on the students that are attending. At the very beginning of camp, there were a number of students who did not know how to write their name or even know how to hold/use a pair of scissors. Thanks to our awesome teachers, I have seen the confidence that the students have gained within these last couple of weeks in those key readiness skills and along with others such as counting, letter recognition, etc.
What does education mean to you?
I believe that education is the key to success. Education gives anyone the opportunity to learn, grow, inspire, and find the true you. Education is the foundation of everything and gives everyone the opportunity to have a bright future.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Suzanne Neumann
We are thrilled to share the next post in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series that kicked off in Waukegan on June 19th. Up next, we have Suzanne Neumann, a volunteer Reading Buddy, sharing her reflection of the past several weeks of camp:
What is your role at Camp?
I am a volunteer Reading Buddy. This is my second summer participating in KCC; I also was a Reading Success tutor for two years.
So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
What I've found to be the most memorable is the warm reception volunteers get from teachers and students. There is nothing like walking into a classroom and being greeted with smiles and excitement! The children's faces just light up–it is so energizing! Volunteers know they are wanted and appreciated. How many other environments provide that?
Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?
I've been so impressed with how positive and enthusiastic teachers and aides are. Though little kids are adorable, working with them all day requires you to be upbeat and engaged all the time, which can be draining. Staff always are up to the challenge! I've also admired the young adults who serve as classroom assistants. They are so patient and helpful, and the children love them. Having someone closer to your own age to work with and look up to is very special.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?
I definitely think KCC is having a positive effect on the children that attend. They get a positive introduction to school–think how great it is to not have those first-day jitters on the opening day of kindergarten! These kids know what to expect and how to behave, which is a tremendous boost. They also make up some academic ground so that they don't start out behind children who have had the advantage of preschool. Giving children skills and self-confidence is priceless.
What does education mean to you?
To me, education is the great leveler in our society. It shouldn't matter where you live or how much money your family has. Education should challenge every child's mind and help them earn the skills they need to become healthy, happy contributors to society. I know the real world isn't always fair, and low-income families don't have the advantages middle- and upper-income people may take for granted. That's why programs such as KCC, Success By 6, and Reading Success are so vital. They help children to start out on a positive path in the early grades, when attitudes toward self and life are formed. Starting with a positive, solid base helps to set kids up for success!
Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Ashley Latz
We are thrilled to share the next post in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series that kicked off in Waukegan on June 19th. Up next, we'd like to introduce Ashley Latz, a Waukegan educator, sharing her experience as a KCC teacher this summer.
Tell us about yourself and your role in camp.
My name is Ashley Latz. I have been a Waukegan educator for the past 10 years. I taught kindergarten in Waukegan for 9 years and I will return to teaching in the fall as an Instructional Coach. This summer has been an absolute joy co-teaching kindergarten alongside Susie Feldman, for United Way's Kindergarten Countdown Camp at Lyon Elementary School.
What are you passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about serving the children in the Waukegan community. My main goal as an educator is to create an environment that is child-centered, where children feel welcome, safe, and truly loved for the individuals that they are. By recognizing each child as their individual self, recognizing their strengths and supporting their weaknesses, I feel I can foster their love of lifelong learning. I pride myself in being a lifelong learner and I have dedicated myself to my work and to the children and community that I serve.
What has been the most memorable part about your involvement with Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
Most of the children came to us with little to no kindergarten readiness skills. Most have never been in school, let alone away from their parents for a long period of time. Needless to say, we had many tears on the first day of camp. Just a few short weeks later, the excitement on the children's faces when they arrive to camp is a reminder of how far they've come in just a few short weeks. We are greeted with big smiles, and even bigger hugs! The most memorable part of my involvement with Kindergarten Countdown Camp is the relationships I've built with the children. Their future success is important to me and I am happy that I got to be a small part of their educational journey.
Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on children that attend?
I feel this program has had a profound impact on the children that it served. The children are excited to come to school and can't wait to find out what our activities will be each day. I have seen improvements in their social interactions with peers and adults, handwriting skills, ability to recognize letters and sounds, number sense and counting, book and print awareness, cooperative play within a small group, ability to attend to an activity for an extended period of time, and the ability to travel to new and unfamiliar places during our Friday field trips. I know because of the help of this program, they will be well prepared for kindergarten in the fall.
Tell us about your experience with United Way of Lake County?
The United Way has done so much for the children in our community. Their support extends far beyond Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Their work with Waukegan Public Schools can also be seen throughout the school year. From student interns to community volunteers, they have truly found a way to work together with community partners to help support and prepare our children for success in the future. I was fortunate enough to see this commitment during my work with the Kindergarten Countdown Camp. A special thank you to all of those involved in bringing these wonderful programs to our community and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.
Source: https://www.liveunitedlakecounty.org/tag/volunteer/page/7/
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