Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights and Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect are committed to giving back to others. This year, both Chicago-area Academies partnered up for an impactful volunteer event with Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization that provides food and resources to children in need around the world.
The Academy communities volunteer twice a year to pack meals for Feed My Starving Children. During the two-hour volunteer session, participants work together to assemble nutritious meals that are then shipped to children in need. Academy educators and staff members, along with enrolled children and their families, worked together to help pack over 27,000 meals this spring!
“It’s an amazing experience,” shared Franchisee Preeti Gulati. “The nonprofit is so well-organized, and the staff and students are always so excited to volunteer. It’s a great way to teach our children the importance of giving back and bring Character Essentials® lessons to life.”
Giving back is an important way to create a sense of community and belonging. It’s also a critical part of Kiddie Academy’s character education program, Character Essentials. A volunteer day with Feed My Starving Children includes engaging games, fun music and an opportunity to develop the values explored in the classroom.
“We’re so proud of our staff and students for their dedication to helping others,” said Gulati. “Giving back to the community is an important part of our mission, and we’re committed to making a difference in the world.”
Since Gulati’s first Academy opened in 2015, she and her generous community have volunteered and fundraised in support of various organizations and causes. As a collective community, Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights and Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect continue to lead through community service.
“As a parent myself, it’s such a joy to find philanthropic ways to teach my own children lessons in humanity,” Gulati said. “It’s essential to shaping the next generation and gives us all a sense of purpose.”