April is National Volunteer Month in the United States, a tradition established in the early 1990s to celebrate individual volunteerism. President George H.W. Bush’s 1989 inaugural speech, with his “1,000 Points of Light” vision, inspired this nationwide recognition of community service, encouraging millions each April to serve.
In 2001, two Sun City residents started a plan that has encouraged hundreds of Sun City residents to volunteer and share their skills and knowledge with the students in School District 158.
Eileen Delahanty, Volunteer Coordinator for the School District, said, “Two gentlemen approached me from Sun City: Bob Hurrie and Dave Evans. They had a plan that established a volunteer group that would come to be known as Community Student Outreach, or CSO. They started out with a desire to share their skills and volunteer to transfer knowledge to our students, and then evolved into an organization of over 50 volunteer members eager to participate and help wherever needed in the district. Dick and Bob were amazing men. The three of us were unstoppable. We had a lot of successes.”
In 2003, the dedicated members established the Huntley 158 Education Foundation. It still supports innovative classroom grants and student scholarships. Hurrie was a member of that board and president for two years. The Foundation operates independently, enhancing education through donations and community partnerships, and hosting events like the Hootenanny 5K.
A few years later, with CSO successfully implemented, the initiative lost momentum. In 2003, Huntley Community School District 158 saw the impact of a significant defeat in late 2002. The district, which was among the fastest-growing in Illinois with annual enrollment increases of roughly 20%, struggled to keep up with the need for new facilities. The failed referendum in 2003 forced the district to make cuts; the district volunteer position was one of them.
Delahanty said, “Bob and Dave went to the battle to keep my position going. They knew that the volunteer program was more critical than ever. They went to the school board, and they wrote a letter. I still have that letter. I carry it with me in my briefcase. The contents of the letter inspire me.”
The needed referendum passed in November 2004, and the volunteer position, along with various services and positions, were restored for the 2005-2006 school year. In 2007, the formal CSO disbanded, but residents of Sun City continued to volunteer.
Delahanty said, “We still have some of those original volunteers helping at our schools. Throughout the year, we have had so many residents offer their time, knowledge, and skills. It warms my heart that these people have no obligation but still want to help. They have no vested interest, and there is no greater gift that can be given. I am so proud to live here in this community.”
On February 26, the Sun City Board of Directors officially formalized a partnership with Huntley High School, creating a cost-free bridge between Sun City residents and local students. This alliance has expanded rapidly, with residents now lending their expertise in medical, engineering, culinary, fashion, and many other areas. Fundamental to this success is Eileen Delaney, whose leadership is vital in mobilizing volunteers for the school while also coordinating student support for Sun City traditions like the Grandma, Grandpa, & Me events and the Rotary Elf Run. Eileen’s dedication — shown through her constant encouragement and personal notes of thanks — ensures that every resident is appreciated, fostering a spirit of mutual support that strengthens our entire community.
Dolores Fischer, who is a dedicated volunteer at Huntley High School, said, “I’ve been honored to observe Eileen’s unwavering dedication, natural leadership, and collaborative spirit in action. We have worked together on numerous district-wide volunteer events, and most recently, we’ve partnered on an exciting new initiative to build important connections between Huntley High School students and the residents of the Del Webb community. As a Del Webb resident for the past 18 years, and with over 41 years of experience as a mathematics teacher and student leadership consultant at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, I can confidently say that Eileen represents the kind of leader who brings people together and drives positive change. Throughout her tenure, she has developed a robust and vibrant volunteer program serving over 2,000 volunteers annually across our district, from kindergarten through high school. Her role has allowed her to interact deeply with our community and identify those rare individuals whose commitment and passion elevate the effect we can have.”
As we celebrate Volunteer Month, Delahanty illustrates the strength of connection. Her leadership turns partnerships into intergenerational bonds. Whether thanking volunteers or bridging school and community, she’s building a legacy of belonging and making our community stronger and more connected.
