Even in retirement, former Aurora-area teachers remember Fox Valley students.
Aurora-based Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association recently donated 474 items of Winter gear–homemade and from stores–to Communities in Schools (CIS). Included were 208 socks, 146 gloves, 113 Winter hats, five scarves, and two blankets.
CIS will distribute the gear to needy students in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery schools. The Aurora-based nonprofit provides free after-school and Summer programs, as well as counseling access to support Aurora-area students and help them achieve in school and in life.
Kathy Navota of Aurora, project coordinator, said AARTA started a program entitled ASK (AARTA Supports Kids) a few years ago.
Navota said, “At our October, February, and April, luncheons, members donate school supplies to a designated school. For the December luncheon, it was decided to participate in the Communities in Schools initiative whereby our members donate Winter gear.”
Dick Schindel of Aurora, AARTA president and retired East Aurora School District 131 educator, said AARTA will fill 75 backpacks with school supplies for needy students. The backpacks will be distributed next Spring through Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, both in Aurora.
—Al Benson