Islamic Foundation School “Serve their Community” and Early Morning Breakfast for DuPagePads Clients
Volunteer Spotlight on Students from Islamic Foundation School
Students from the Islamic Foundation School in Villa Park assist at First Church of Lombard, an Interim (Overnight) Housing site where DuPagePads clients find hospitality, meals and a warm place to sleep.
On the first Wednesday morning of each month, 
middle and high school students, parents, teachers and even the school principal wake up early to prepare and serve breakfast to the 50 or more clients served every Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
Principal Baste believes serving with DuPagePads, “is a great opportunity for the students to serve their community. Yes, they lose a little sleep,
but this is setting the foundation for being giving adults. The kids need to see there are many ways to give back, even in our own backyard.”
Each student had something to add:
“Volunteering is rewarding.”
“This is a great experience and bonding activity.”
“We are all happy to help our community.”
“Volunteering makes you feel good about yourself, while helping others.”
“This helps me connect to people and see what others might be going through.”
“Seeing the homeless leaving the shelter each morning, in all weather, gives you a different perspective when you wake up each morning.”
After serving breakfast, the students help clean the pads and pillows, put away the dining area, sweep and take out the trash.
Reema Kamran, a parent of three student volunteers, thinks, “Volunteering is something we can do together, to help others. It helps us follow our faith and is a great way to serve our community.”
“If I could give any advice for parents and teachers, I’d say: do it! Teach your students and children to volunteer. DuPagePads is a great cause and each hand is needed; you will see a direct result from your hard work,” Principal Baste continues, “Ask yourself, if we weren’t here, what would our neighbors do?”
Join Principal Baste and her students by volunteering for DuPagePads!