Volunteers are an essential component of Hephzibah’s mission and we are fortunate to have dozens of teen volunteers who generously commit their time and energy throughout the year to benefit the children and families we serve. In recent months, two groups of teens have been exceptionally generous with their time and creative energy engaging the kids from the group home in new, fun and exciting activities most have never experienced before.
OPRF Varsity Boys Volleyball team hosted the group home children for drills, pizza and a game.
The Huskie Helpers are students from Oak Park River Forest High School who have big hearts and share a commitment to helping children in need. Throughout the year, these teens host events with the kids including movie and game nights, and holiday parties. In June, the teens hosted the Hephzibah Rodeo – an outdoor celebration of the end of the school year and kick-off for the summer.
Sixty teens raised more than $1,500 to support the event, which included pony rides, rodeo games, a reptile “zoo,” bounce house, a balloon artist, and much more. “This is one of the best days for our group home kids because it is a celebration of all their hard work during the school year as well as an exciting way to start the summer,” says Hannah Weigel, volunteer manager. “The event is made possible because of our great Huskie teens and we are so proud of them and so grateful for their incredible work.”
Another group of teens from Oak Park River Forest High School planned a special event for the group home kids, in addition to raising money to benefit the home. In May, the children from Hephzibah Home were the special guests of the OPRF boys varsity volleyball team. The kids visited the team prior to one of their matches and had the opportunity to learn and participate in on-court drills and attended the game. In addition, the team held a school supply drive to benefit the kids, took up a collection during their match, and held a pizza party for the kids.
“Hephzibah’s teen volunteers bring a special energy and enthusiasm that the group home kids really connect with,” Hannah says. “Our kids love their interactions with the teens and they are wonderful role models for the kids as well.”