For the past eight years, Peaceful Schools Initiative (PSI) has been making Easter baskets in the spring as a unique service idea instead of the many Christmas ones held at LT, Advisor Carol Promisel said. Their first year the club donated to the local Constance Morris House, a shelter for battered children and woman, but as the club began receiving more donations and making more baskets, they switched to the Off the Streets program. This organization services over 3,000 kids in Chicago between the ages of 3-18.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Promisel said. “The kids are always super polite, very grateful and are coming from an area in Chicago where even just having a pencil and a notebook for school is a treat so there is a high level of need.”

The club will either take the baskets to the children or a bus of the children will come to LT. There is always a lot of joy during this day making it a good experience for both club members and the recipients of the baskets, Promisel said.

“When I think about the impact we will make on the families who will receive the baskets I think about how we as a school are able to make such a big impact on their day,” PSI member Nora Kirby ‘19 said. “To think about the children and families who will be getting them makes me happy to know that we as a school are able to truly help and bring joy to their lives.”

All students and staff are encouraged to donate baskets, tote bags and buckets. In addition, PSI will be collecting craft supplies, school supplies, candy, small toys, books and any other item that could be put into the baskets. Donations can be dropped off at the main office at either campus, room 229 at NC and J210 at SC. They will be collected until April 10.

PSI was created with the idea to bring a small-school effect to a high school with around 4,000 students enrolled. Their purpose is to make a positive school environment accessible to all students.

“It is like a student leadership group but it also does things that any kid of any kind would hopefully feel welcomed and invited,” Promisel said.