Frankfort 157-C Gives Back During COVID-19 Pandemic

FRANKFORT, IL — Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many staff members at Frankfort 157-C have stepped up to help in any way they could. According to the district, staff members have donated non-perishables to their local food pantry, dropped off homemade masks at hospitals, churches, and local businesses, volunteers, and wrote thank you notes to first responders and other essential workers.

Erica Frederick, a teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School, contracted COVID-19 in October, the district said. While Frederick recovered quickly, her 65-year-old godmother was admitted to the hospital in November and continues to fight for her life, the district said.

Frederick saw the huge need for plasma and blood donations that helped her godmother, according to a release from the district. She felt the need to give back after she had recovered from COVID-19, and reached out to the American Red Cross. She spent 3 and a half hours donated her plasma earlier this year, and found out that her donation made it to San Antonio Regional hospital in Upland, California, to help patients in need.

“I shared my story with my students because I want them to realize good can come out of a challenge when you’re Tiger strong," Frederick said in a release.

Several more District 157-C staff members have also helped their communities throughout the pandemic, including social worker Rebekah Munch, who helped to distribute food at drive-thru events held by the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Munch and her family filled car after car with boxes and bags of groceries, and helped to give food to thousands of families.

Erin Johnson, a kindergarten teacher at Grand Prairie, taught herself how to sew and made over 100 masks for her friends, family, and community, the district said. Nicolette Dumaresq, a school psychologist at Hickory Creek Middle School, partnered with her neighbor to provide free masks to community members and local businesses in their hometown of Monee. Dumaresq coordinated orders and mask deliveries and pick-ups; and helped to distribute 1,500 masks to local businesses and organizations.

Students were also involved in frontline workers at Silver Cross Hospital. Teachers Tiffany Osberg and Sarah Bakke, and Hickory Creek student council members wrote over 50 cards to send to the staff at Silver Cross thanking them for their essential service during COVID-19, the district said.