Coronavirus: Nonprofit For Children Created By Deerfield Students

DEERFIELD, IL — A pair of Deerfield High School students have created a nonprofit organization called Balance Boxes, which seeks to give back to underserved youth through donations of books and acitivites for children. Sophomore Samantha Feinberg said she started the organization with her friend, Sydney Holubow, as a way to give back once the coronavirus pandemic led to the closure of Illinois schools. The hope is to expand the operation once the virus is at bay, Feinberg said.

Through donations from local communities and neighbors, Feinberg said she has been filling boxes with books, games, art projects, microwaveable meals and snacks and information on local tutoring services. As of Wednesday, Feinberg said she has enough donations to provide for 75 students. Each box has a certain theme that would relate to a child's interests.

These boxes are then delivered to area schools. Feinberg said schools are selected based on whether students are on the free and reduced lunch program, testing scores and other criteria.

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Currently, Feinberg said she is working to gain 501(c)3 status for Balance Boxes. Once the threat of the coronavirus dies down, Feinberg said she would look into fundraising efforts and forming an outreach committee to expand efforts outside Illinois.

Anyone interested in making donations of board games, children's books, puzzles or art projects should contact Feinberg at samanthafeinberg2004@gmail.com. New and gently used items will be accepted.

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