Mothers Trust Teens Work to Keep Families Warm This Winter

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Mothers Trust Teens hosted their Second Annual Coat Give-Away for families in the North Chicago School District and surrounding communities. Thanks to so many generous individuals from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Libertyville and the Bannockburn School, more than 450 coats were collected, as well as countless hats, scarves, mittens and articles of warm clothing. The North Chicago High School Basketball Team helped the teens set up the drive in a very short time. Many thanks to all the Friends of Mothers Trust who assisted in so many ways. We couldn't have done it without you!

See more photos >>

Youth Helping Those in Need

Pictured left to right are: Sharon Epps, North Chicago School District Board President, Mary Dooley, Piper Ventling, Madeleine Panos, Lucille Hood and Sylvia Johnson, North Chicago School District Representative

Mothers Trust Foundation reached out to the younger members of our community by launching Mothers Trust Teens. The program, founded by two local teens, Madeleine Panos and Piper Ventling, is a great way for teens to get involved in helping others and to make a difference in the lives of children. The group's mission statement is: "Youth helping those in need."

The teens' goals are to identify and organize two annual service projects and to expand the group to include high school students from other Lake County communities.

Collection boxes were located at Lake Forest High School, LF/LB Senior Center, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, CPAC (Tennis Club - Deerfield), Crocodile Pie, Libertyville High School, Oak Grove School and St. Joseph's School and Church. The Mothers Trust Teen members, Kate Abderholden, Madeleine Kalb, Ann Majewski and Piper Ventling spent many hours collecting and sorting the donated items. In addition, ten-year-old Brooke VanderVere, aspiring Mothers Trust Teen, organized a collection drive of sports equipment and outdoor play toys which included jump ropes, an assortment of balls, and a variety of other toys.

Some of the other items collected included: 130 games, books, music and movies, almost 40 maternity items, 500 pieces of baby clothing, 50 blankets and snugglies, 175 stuffed animals and toys, more than 130 booties, shoes, socks, bibs and hats, and various other miscellaneous items. In addition, a huge number of toiletries were collected including more than 1000 soaps, 1000 shampoos/conditioners, 750 body lotions, 500 body wash/gels, 75-100 deodorants, and many other personal items.

The girls are pictured with volunteers, staff and bags of donations!!!