November 4th, 2011
Dear District 97 Families,
This Thanksgiving you will likely be thankful for your children, their education, and the myriad of opportunities for their health and happiness in Oak Park. And perhaps you will make a resolution to do more with your family and your community this season by volunteering for those in need. But where to start? How to contribute in the midst of work obligations, school, and extracurricular commitments? Where to find something meaningful, enjoyable, and impacting without being burdensome? Look no further.
Now introducing The Giving Project. A combination of former service clubs MANNKind and Giving Path, we have formed as a children’s community service non-profit organization. Our mission is simple: To inspire our children to be better citizens of the world; to provide hands-on, hands-together community service that transforms their heart and soul; and to enrich their learning with civic responsibility, social justice, and charitable action.
We are parents like you. Parents eager to show our kids, share with them, all the positive impact community service can have: boost self-esteem, build leadership, and nurture caring, compassionate citizens. Our children will gain practical and organizational skills, develop critical thinking and problem-solving, and increase communication and collaboration amongst their peers. All while simultaneously helping those in need, thinking beyond themselves, and learning a little more about this grand world in which we live!
Every month, The Giving Project provides District 97 families organized activities and events to give back to the community. We are focused on projects that are developmentally appropriate for our youth. Projects that are bite-sized, kid-centered, and genuinely fun! Projects that provide a sense of completion, and thus success. Projects that the children can invent and even implement themselves! With a wide variety of topics ranging from animal care & rescue, hunger, homelessness, to children’s special needs, disaster relief, to taking care of our environment and more, there is always an open opportunity to get involved.
This November, The Giving Project will launch its inaugural “Giving Thanks” event. Kids will gather to write thank you notes to whom they are grateful; to those working in service to our community, or to those that could use a reminder of thanks this season- the firefighters, the doctors, the teachers, the clergy, the clerks that put a smile on your face each day. Details coming soon!
The opportunity arises to affect change where parents should- with our children. Kids learn by doing. Let’s do good, together. Won’t you join The Giving Project?
The Giving Project
Kids Building a Better Local and Global Community
Irving School PTO 