Twelve residents from Sun City volunteered at a holiday event at Chesak Elementary School on Tuesday, December 2.
Pat Janiga, Janet Andersen, Sharon Melbye, Gerry Saia, Linda Rizza, Nedra Reeves, Kathy Wendhack, Dawn Leonard, Bernice Wills, Sharon Rainey, Jesus Villa, and Janet Kargol were ready and dressed in their holiday attire. Their participation reflects Sun City residents’ strong community pride and support for local events, inspiring others to join in. They put on their reindeer headbands, identifying themselves as volunteers, and went to take on tasks at the cookie-decorating station, snacks and beverages sales, and three craft projects.
Wendhack said, “We all picked an area to help in and started getting ready for the students and their parents. We got a cookie on each plate, were prepared to offer a choice of chocolate or vanilla icing, and, of course, sprinkles had to be prepared in small cups.”
Michelle West, PTA President, said, “We were overwhelmed in the very best way by the amount of support we received. Our local Huntley Walmart generously donated all of our cookies and toppings, and the fun drawing prizes came from our friends at HUGS Gymnastics. Their contributions helped make the event festive, joyful, and memorable for every child who attended.”
Catherine Ademe, PTA family events co-chair, said, “I am genuinely blown away by how successful our event was. It absolutely would not have been possible without each volunteer. I, along with Michelle Dickert, my co-chair, was so touched that the residents took time out of their day to help. Every person I’ve spoken with has mentioned how friendly, welcoming, and wonderful the residents of Sun City all were. Their presence made such a difference.”
The residents also enjoyed the event, smiling and greeting students and parents, helping with a craft or handing a blob of icing for their cookie.
Leonard, a former teacher, said, “I ran into a reminder of my past at the cookie table. A woman with her child remarked to me, ‘You look familiar.’ We mulled over the possibilities of how we could have come across each other. Then the women asked if I was a teacher. It turned out I was her teacher. It was amazing to remember her and the golden ringlets that she wore to school.”
The evening went quickly for all involved.
West said, “On behalf of the Chesak–Martin PTA, we thank the Sun City volunteers so much for the incredible help with our recent cookie-decorating event. The kindness and enthusiasm truly made the day special, and we are so grateful for the generous spirit brought to our school community. The amazing volunteers from Del Webb, whose time, energy, and smiles created such a welcoming environment. Alongside them, several local high school students enthusiastically donated their time, making this truly a community effort across generations.”
No event is complete until after the cleanup. he Del Webb volunteers quickly cleaned up the area before they headed home.
Ademe said, “We are especially grateful for the help with clean up at the end of the night. Because of you, Michelle and I didn’t have to stay late, and we were able to get home in time to tuck in our littles. That meant so much to us. Thank you.”
