MARILLAC WILL CELEBRATE
THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

April 14-19 will be a special week here at Marillac and throughout the nation as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child. The theme for 2008 is “Bring Communities Together for Children – Children Bring Communities Together.”

Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this week recognizes that the early years of life – from birth through age 8 – lay the foundation for a child’s success both in their education and in life. Through special community events, this special week is designed to make the public more aware of the needs of young children and their families and to recognize local programs that meet those needs.

Activities here at Marillac, special groups will come to our Early Childhood Education classrooms to visit and read to the children. These groups will include Real Men Read; representatives from Chicago Public Schools; and students from Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette.

Our school-age classrooms will also enjoy special activities during this week. Ms. Eden will present an art workshop for teachers. In addition, Ms. Margaret Jordan of CYS will visit the classrooms, and Ms. Patricia Valassia, an intern with Rush Medical Center, will present Water Safety Tips to our children.

To end the week, our Wellness Center – in partnership with Rush Hospital – is sponsoring a Wellness Day on Saturday, April 19. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Wellness Center will offer physicals for our children who need them.

Hunger Walk – Saturday, June 14th

Hunger knows no season and poverty lives outside our front door! Please join the staff and friends of Marillac House for the annual Hunger Walk sponsored by the Greater Chicago Food Depository annually.

“Close to 500,000 people each year rely on emergency and supplemental food provided by the Food Depository and its member network of almost 600 member food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters – Marillac is a member! Growing numbers of Cook County residents are relying on agencies for stop-gap food assistance. At Marillac House we give out 150 bags of food in a month.

Last year, more than 4,700 walkers helped raise more than $366,000 to support hunger-relief programs in our community.

The Hunger Walk is a fun day for a serious cause: festivities include entertainment and special guests along the shores of Lake Michigan. The festivities begin at 8 a.m. and the Hunger Walk steps off at 9:30 at Montrose Harbor. All walkers receive a goody bag, snacks and T-shirt.”

Sister Maureen McGrath is organizing a team for Marillac and accepting donations for Marillac’s pantry. Even if you cannot collect pledges your presence there benefits Marillac’s food pantry and many families in need of food assistance.

For more information and to sign up for Team Marillac: Sr. Maureen (773)584-3250