When Sebastian San Jose, an eighth-grader at St. Cyprian School, was elected mayor during a youth government election, he made a big promise that is now coming true.
“I mentioned in my mayor’s speech that I was going to try to start a food pantry and coat drive,” San Jose said. “I asked my principal if we could participate, and I knew a lot of students would donate coats.”
San Jose started a coat drive at St. Cyprian School. Pre-schoolers through eighth-graders were invited to donate.
“After Sebastian started the drive at St. Cyprian, I asked Rhodes and River Grove schools’ youth government programs if they’d like to participate,” River Grove’s recreation director Laura Jardine said. “They said, of course!”
In all, students collected about 60 coats, as well as hats, gloves and shoes, according to Jardine. San Jose was recognized at a River Grove board meeting on Feb. 1. Mayor David Guerin said the students did a “fantastic job” and San Jose deserved a “round of applause.”
The board meeting also noted the large donation from River Grove School for the drive, which included several pairs of brand new gloves.
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“I am most definitely the proudest father ever,” said San Jose’s father, Mannie San Jose. “It’s my honor. It’s a wonderful thing to be involved in the community.”
Jardine explained the coats are available to those who need them during the open hours of the River Grove Food Pantry, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It was announced that nearly a dozen hats, gloves and scarves were picked up at the pantry on Feb. 1.
Jardine explained every October, eighth-grade students from River Grove School, Rhodes Elementary School and St. Cyprian School can run for youth government. They have to campaign.
“Each youth ran for different offices such as trustee, school board president, and of course, mayor,” she said.
San Jose said he learned the importance of helping others in times of need, especially during the winter months.
“It’s hard seeing those with less than us out in the cold,” he said. “It’s nice collecting items for others.”
Contact the River Grove Food Pantry at 708-453-1818 to donate winter clothing items.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.