Chicago Bears Honor Lake Forest High School Senior

LAKE FOREST, IL — A Lake Forest High School student has been recognized for his positive impact on the community by the Chicago Bears organization.

James Gildersleeve, a linebacker and tight end on the LFHS Scouts football team, is the ninth and final Community High School All-Star award winner of the season, the Bears announced.

Two years ago, Gildersleeve and his younger sister, Katie, founded the nonprofit Treats for Troops, which pairs local families with deployed members of the armed forces.

Soldiers away from home receive monthly care packages, cards and messages to help stay connected.

"Whenever you can be involved with young people that prioritize other's needs, particularly those of service men and women, it gives you a true feeling of pride," Lake Forest High School football coach Chuck Spagnoli said in a statement.

"James and his family obviously have a strong sense of community, and love for their country."

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Gildersleeve and his sister collect donated items throughout the year, working with grocery stores and other local businesses.

In 2019, they sent out 1,250 care packages to soldiers deployed overseas during the holiday season.

Last year, Treats for Troops delivered the care packages to reserve units at Naval Station Great Lakes due to restrictions associated with COVID-19.

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In the spring, the Gildersleeves ship Girl Scout cookies to troops. Around Halloween, they collect candy and ship it overseas.

Recently, their group held a winter clothing drive on behalf of Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago.

Community High School All-Star award winners receive a personalized, hand-painted football, a gift bag, message from a Bears guest and a $500 charitable donation to an organization of the student's choosing, according to the team.

Gildersleeve opted to direct the donation to Lake Forest-based Equestrian Connection, which provides horse-based therapy thousands of mentally, emotionally and physically challenged children and adults.

Other Community High School All-Stars during the 2020-21 season:

Eric Moreno, Fenton High School, Bensonville
A.J. Wrenn, St. Laurence High School, Burbank
Nickolas Benn, Fenton High School, Bensonville
Carter Collins, Maine South High School, Park Ridge
Jalen Aguilar, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago
Omarion James, Foreman College and Career Academy, Chicago
Blake Eversmann, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg
Miles McVay, East St. Louis Senior High School, East St. Louis