Creator Of Warrior Face Shield Project Inspires: Deerfield Hero

DEERFIELD, IL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Katie Heraty, of NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation, who nominated Dan Kim, of Vernon Hills, who works at Deerfield High School:

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
Dan Kim is the director of instructional technology at Deerfield High School

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Dan Kim deserves to be recognized because he stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic and started Deerfield High School's Warrior Face Shield Project to help provide PPE face shields to frontline nurses at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital. Dan is the Director of Instructional Technology at Deerfield High School and oversees the school's MakerSpace — an innovative classroom with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and electronics. During the pandemic, Dan and several administrative staff members worked around the clock to 3D print 550 face shields in less than 6 weeks in the high school's MakerSpace. They were made when the school closed, as a response to the COVID-19 shortage of PPE. They also donated face shields to local nursing homes, D113 security staff, district nurses, summer school bus drivers, teachers, and a dentist office.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Dan volunteered countless hours and spent time away from his family during the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE shortage to make face shields for essential workers and others in the community. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation greatly appreciates Dan Kim and his team at Deerfield High School for their hard work and generous donation.

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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