Historically, District 54 holds an annual Partnership Appreciation Event to show gratitude to the many organizations, businesses and individuals who support students, staff, schools and the district as a whole. As an in-person event was not feasible in the current climate, the district implemented a month-long Facebook appreciation campaign to highlight those who have made it possible to ensure student success over the past year.
In addition to thanking those 115 partners, the district is honoring two organizations as Super Partners. A Super Partner provides extraordinary support to one of our schools or the whole district.
This year, District 54 selected High School District 211 and Willow Creek Community Church as the 2020 Super Partners. Since the initial closure of schools in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both organizations have supported not only their own families and communities, but also District 54 students and families by providing nourishing meals.
“The District 211 food service department has made it our priority to continue offering nutritious meals to all children in the community during this uncertain time,” said Stacy Lenihan, D211 Food and Nutrition Services Director.
District 211 is fulfilling that goal by welcoming the District 54 community, as well as its own students’ families, to visit any District 211 high school every Thursday to pick up meals.
The Willow Creek Mobile Food Truck visits Muir Elementary School and Keller Junior High School on a consistent basis.
“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with District 54 to help support families in our community during an especially difficult season,” said Katie Kolker, Global Teams & Relationship Manager for Willow Creek. “It is evident how deeply each of the teachers, staff and principals care for their students and families, and we are incredibly thankful to join forces by providing food to anyone in need. During a time in our country of such pain, loss and division, our partnership shows that communities are stronger when working together.”
The generous contributions both organizations have made to the community has prevented hundreds of District 54 families from going hungry, provided countless parents and guardians the relief that they can put their earnings toward other essential expenses and offered hope to teachers, social workers and all district staff that students will have this basic need met.
To see these food distribution programs in action, watch the Super Partner video.
