“McCleery Family Gardens” – McCleery Elementary School – $1,200
The Garden Club meets during the fall and spring months of the schoolyear. During this time McCleery will focus on educating the members and their families about healthy eating habits like eating fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugars and processed foods. They have four raised garden beds that the members prepare for families to adopt each year. This grant will enable them to offer more garden boxes to our families to adopt.

“Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities” – Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry – $5,000
The MWFP pantry seeks support to establish the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities initiative. The objective is to significantly improve the health and future of children and teens in high food insecurity zones in Kane County, specifically in zip codes 60505 and 60506, as identified by the 2021 Community Assessment by the Kane County Health Department. The Fit for Kids Grant will aid access to urban farming and provide a curriculum for preparing fresh produce for Aurora youth. To address food insecurity issues, the pantry will provide access to local produce and healthy eating options through education for children and their families. Transforming access to locally grown organic produce and encouraging outdoor activities through urban farming, garden exploration, and hands-on preparation of healthy meal options ultimately instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the community, similar to what Mrs. Wilkinson did 67 years ago.

“Dundee Township Park District Fit For Kids” – Dundee Township Park District –
$4,000
The Dundee Township Park District has a mission to enhance the quality of life through exceptional community-driven programming. With new supplies they can offer a wider range of activities as they aspire to exceed the needs of our community. Specifically this will enhance offerings for their early childhood and youth programs/activities. Having the ability to offer programming with physical activity will offer many health benefits and help to stay connected to the community.

“Thompson Thunder FitTech” – Thompson Middle School – $12,516
By implementing Polar Physical EdTech solutions, Thompson Middle School aims to revolutionize the way physical activity is executed and monitored in their gym classes. Through interactive features and real-time tracking capabilities, students will be empowered to take control of their fitness journeys and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This initiative not only promotes a culture of health and wellness within the school community but also prepares students for a future where technology plays an increasingly integral role in fitness monitoring and engagement.

“Otter Creek Elementary School Recess Games” – Otter Creek Elementary –
$1,525.6
Otter Creek PTO with support from Otter Creek Elementary School/U-46 will purchase 2 funnel ball sets to install on the blacktop for use during outdoor lunch recess. Funnel ball encourages continuous movement as children chase after the ball and attempt to score points. This promotes physical exercise and helps children meet their recommended daily activity levels. Funnel ball can be played by children of different ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive activity that allows everyone to participate and have fun together. This can help foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students.

“Let’s Get Healthy! Well Child Center—A Hub for Community Wellness “ – Well
Child Center – $7,000
The Well Child Center’s proposed program, Let’s Get Healthy! Well Child Center—A Hub for Community Wellness, will focus on training and education of the most vulnerable community members—particularly women, children, and families—on healthy eating, nutrition, and overall wellness. The goal of the program is to increase awareness about what constitutes healthy nutrition and wellness and empower participants to take steps to improve their health. The project objectives include the following: increasing opportunities for healthy eating; increasing opportunities for employee physical activity during the workday; and increasing opportunities for employee wellness during the workday.

“Biking Bookworms” – Messenger Public Library – $5,000
Biking Bookworms will provide funding to replace the library’s worn bike rack with an attractive bookworm-themed bike rack capable of holding seven bikes at once. The current rack will be removed, the sidewalk cleaned, and holes filled, and the new bookworm theme will be installed. The repair station will be installed next to the Bookworm Bike Rack for repairs and tire inflation.