Community raises money for kids in Harlem School District

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WIFR) – Some families in the Harlem School District will receive some extra help this holiday season thanks to the annual Christmas for Kids Fundraiser at Rascals in Loves Park.

The event, designed to support children from families facing financial struggles, is gearing up for an even bigger turnout than past years.

Volunteers and organizers say the need has grown, with more parents reaching out to make sure their children don’t miss out on Holiday celebrations.

Last year, donations from the event helped send 250 kids on a shopping spree. This year organizers say they expect even more children to participate.

One of the original creators of the event and the found of Rascals Luke Mayer says that the reaction from the kids is what makes it so worth it.

“When you see the smiles on these kids’ faces, when there’s 250 children going through, and they get to get what they want, it’s pretty neat,” said Mayer.

The shopping spree next weekend will pair children with volunteers who will help them walk through the store and find whatever their heart desires. The number of children increases every year and organizers say they couldn’t be happier about helping more people.

Rascals also recently entered a new chapter under new ownership and the team says keeping this tradition alive is a priority. New Owner Mike Sterling says it was a no-brainer to keep it going.

“This is something that, really in the Harlem community they’ve reached out and said that this is something they’d love to see keep going,” said Sterling.

Local businesses also joined in, donating gift baskets and raffle prizes to help raise the money needed to send all those kids on their shopping sprees.

Organizers say the more money donated, the more money children can spend on their favorite items and sometimes essential items.

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Krisna Dwi Wardhana

Lahir di Padang pada tahun 1991, saya telah tinggal di berbagai wilayah di Indonesia sejak TK hingga kuliah, termasuk Aceh, Palembang, dan Bogor. Saya meraih gelar Sarjana Sains dari FMIPA Universitas Indonesia. Saat ini, saya bekerja sebagai Pendidik di sebuah sekolah swasta di Bogor, Tutor privat sambil tetap fokus mengembangkan Bisakimia.

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