Community and generosity shine at Northwood’s Day of Giving
In 2011, Elm Place Middle School held a Day of Giving with the goal of helping out members of the community. Students and staff collected donated food, clothing, toiletries, winter gear and other items. It was considered a success and, 12 years later, it has become an annual tradition that serves more than 200 families in the North Shore School District 112 community.
On Dec. 9, Northwood Middle School hosted the 13th Annual Day of Giving. The event was exceptional in both scale and impact. A staggering 1,255 volunteers dedicated a combined total of 3,565 service hours. Their efforts resulted in 205 deliveries, distributing more than 1,000 bags and baskets filled with groceries and gifts. The drive significantly aided more than 1,000 individuals, providing much-needed assistance and cheer during the holiday season.
The annual event is organized by SaLT (Service and Learning Together) and coordinated with staff members at Northwood. SaLT was co-founded by veteran educators and was created to inspire young people to change the world by creating meaningful service-learning experiences. The annual holiday drive is an example of how they are accomplishing that.
“The Day of Giving has a significant impact on the community, providing bags of groceries, personal items, and holiday gifts to hundreds of local families,” SaLT founders Ida Fiore and Brad Swanson said. “It serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the strength, unity and generosity of the community.”
Preparing for the event is no easy task. It involves meticulous planning and thousands of volunteer hours. Among the groups contributing their time this year were the middle school’s Northwood Gives Back group, Edgewood Middle School’s Reach for Change, school parent-teacher organizations, the Highland Park High School Interact Club, the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood, the 112 Education Foundation, and several District 112 students and staff.
Northwood teacher Jamie Cohn was one of those staff members and, this year, served as the Day of Giving coordinator.
“It is so special because it brings the whole community together to support our families in need,” Cohn said. “This event impacts so many lives with those who contribute to preparing for the day and those who receive. It truly is something special.”
Just because the 2023 Day of Giving is in the rearview mirror does not mean the need for community service is complete. Fiore and Swanson encourage individuals and organizations to stay engaged through volunteering opportunities, donations and participation in SaLT’s Shop N’ Drop program. Interested individuals can contact SaLT at salt@saltservice.org.
“Supporting local families who are fighting food insecurity is an ongoing challenge throughout the year,” they said. Thanks to the Day of Giving, this year will end on a high note for the District 112 community.