By Isabella Zarate
A group of students from Mahomet-Seymour Lincoln Trail Elementary has teamed up to selflessly serve members of their community.
The Youth Leadership Club (YLC) along with students from Dana Martin’s 5th-grade class set a goal to raise $6,000 for people in need.
Collected funds “would be used to cover rent, utility bills, home and car maintenance projects, and other family wishes,” Martin shared.
The original project, which kicked off years ago, was a way to remember and honor former student Joel Roberts who passed in 2018.
According to Martin, the hope then was to collect 30 backpacks and load them with canned goods. Now, “it has turned into an incredible project that has grown each year.”
The game plan was simple. Students would reach out and ask local businesses for donations and sponsorship, seeking to reach that hefty goal. As for the results, they exceeded expectations.
All on their own, the students were able to raise over $9,000 for those in need.
To thank all the generous donors, and to celebrate their success, the students gathered on Sunday, November 7th for the #AllBulldogs Walk-A-Thon.
As families, relatives, teachers, and staff all gathered around the Mahomet-Seymour High School track, 55 students took prideful strides commemorating all that they had accomplished.
The celebratory day did not mark an end for students and their commitment to giving back.
Next up for the young humanitarians, a non-perishable food and toiletry drive. Donated items will be hand wrapped and delivered to families in need by “December 18th for a holiday to remember,” Martin said.
As for Martin, the best part is that “we not only get to touch the lives of our very own Bulldog families during an incredibly difficult year, but the lesson in the power of kindness for the 55 students involved is one that they’ll hopefully carry with them always.”
“It doesn’t get much better than kids giving to other kids.”
