The weeks long teacher’s strike in Waukegan created challenges for the kids and families in the Beacon Place neighborhood. With most kids dependent on breakfast and lunch at school, kids fell behind on much more than academics.

To help our hungry neighbors, Beacon Placeoffered brown bag lunches to all kids in the neighborhood, generously provided by willing volunteers from all over Lake County. More than 120 kids, moms and grandparents came to Beacon Place for lunch each day.

The lunch time gatherings gave kids a chance to continue with some school work. Vanessa Campos, Principal at Carman Buckner Elementary School, visited each day with grade-level appropriate homework packets for the kids in hand. The children are eager learners and completed daily work in math, reading and writing. Because the Beacon Place After School Tutoring Program was also on hold due to the strike, tutors were on hand during lunch to help kids with reading and other subjects.

Just as in the summer, Beacon Place has become a meeting place for moms and kids looking for support as they try to move forward. A special thank you to all who have reached out to help by making lunches, tutoring, and providing extra food for the kids and parents.