St. James sponsors drive for needy children

Recently, Chicago Bear Israel Idonije visited St. James the Apostle Church in Glen Ellyn to rally support for a coat drive sponsored by St. James School and St. James Youth Ministry.

The goal is to collect 300 coats by Nov. 1.

New and gently used coats, boots, hats, mittens and gloves, snow pants and scarves in child and adult sizes will be collected in the entry hall of St. James Church through Nov. 1. The items will be distributed to the Israel Idonije Foundation's Izzy'z Kidz program.

Izzy'z Kidz is one of several programs designed to encourage and sustain school attendance, high achievement and good citizenship. Started in 2007 by the Chicago Bears defensive tackle, the foundation is committed to serving economically disadvantaged children.

The Coatz and Lidz for Izzy'z Kidz drive was the idea of a Kelley Speck, a St. James parent and friend of Idonije.

"When there are snow days, schools in Chicago simply can't close, there are too many children who rely on the breakfast and lunch program to provide their meals," Speck said. "Kids are walking to school with no coat, no boots, no hat, knee deep in snow, and St. James School can move mountains. Our kids are so caring and concerned about other kids in need."

St. James the Apostle is at 490 S. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. For more information about Coatz and Lidz for Izzys Kids, contact Rebecca Majewski at drksz1@hotmail.com.