Jess Park and Aaron Wasserman Olin—the School Programs team at HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC)—recently caught up with two volunteers who are increasing access to nutritious meals for our vulnerable neighbors. Jim Hynan is a Senior Corps-RSVP member who, prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, donated his time and talents to HOSC’s CHiL and Lunch Buddies….
Choosing to #BeEssential: An Interview with a Self-Directed Volunteer and Donor
Meet Kara Zukoski Jess Park, director of school programs, recently corresponded with HandsOn Connect user Kara Zukoski to discuss her contributions to The Palatine Township Food Pantry, The Wheeling Township Food Pantry, WINGS, Connections for the Homeless, The Harper Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the 214Cares Emergency Fund. Their correspondence has been edited. Jess Park:…
Playlists with Purpose: Songs to Help You Establish a Morning Routine during COVID-19
Music is a universal language with the ability to inspire us and instantly change our mood. HandsOn Suburban Chicago will be publishing playlists to help people get through this uniquely challenging time. Disclaimer: This blog post contains quoted profanity. The songs on this playlist that contain explicit language, which may not be suitable for all…
#BeEssential: 3 Ways You Can Address the Societal Ills Exposed by the Coronavirus
In times of widespread crisis, workers may not be essential but volunteers are. Ordinary people are typically the first to assist in a disaster and the last ones to leave. Volunteerism, unlike vocation, demands civic character and exemplifies the ideal of democracy. It acknowledges that the well-being of every individual is integral to the well-being…
Choosing to #BeEssential: An Interview with a Volunteer Tackling Hunger During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Throughout this month, HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC) will be highlighting the altruism the pandemic has inspired by getting to know people who acted on our website’s opportunities to be essential. If you would like to tell your story of volunteering during the novel coronavirus crisis, please email it to jess@handsonsuburbanchicago.org. Meet Meal Delivery Volunteer Liz…
#BeEssential: Finding Purpose in Times of Profound Uncertainty
COVID-19 has opened Pandora’s box. But the global chaos spurred by this virus has also crystallized how interconnected humanity is. Never before in our lifetime have our everyday actions impacted others in such a far-reaching and overwhelming way. (Remember when coughing was just a banal reflex?) Although this new reality can feel paralyzing, we can…
6 Easy Service Learning Lessons to Do with Middle School Kids While at Home
Are you looking for constructive things to do with your kids now that they’re home from school? We have six one-hour service learning lessons for you on topics like social justice advocacy, cultural heritage, and recycling. We designed these lessons for local middle schools over the last couple of years, but they can be adapted for high…
Wheeling Middle School Students Advocate for Social Change
“Thousands of families are separated each year. I never thought mine would be one of them.”
What matters to young people in our northern suburban community? HandsOn Suburban Chicago recently posed this question to students at Jack London Middle School in Wheeling and uncovered how the decisions of elected leaders impact the daily lives of our adolescent neighbors.
